Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has given the Saudi Public Investment Fund his blessing to target a January transfer for Atletico Madrid defender Kieran Trippier, as per the Mirror.
Howe wants the former Tottenham Hotspur full-back brought to St James’ Park in the mid-season window to help him avoid relegation.
The Toon remain the only winless side after 12 Premier League games, to sit bottom of the table. They are also five-points from safety and have conceded the joint-most goals (27).
Howe wants the PIF, Amanda Staveley and the Reuben brothers to now strengthen his side with January transfers.
The Newcastle boss believes the Magpies lack leaders and big personalities in the dressing room that could prove the difference.
So, United are now lining up a transfer for Trippier, and feel they can convince him to move back to England.
The Toon hierarchy feel a return to Premier League football will appeal to Trippier after a move to Manchester United fell through this summer.
The Red Devils baulked at paying Atletico Madrid’s £30m-plus asking price at the time, but remain keen on the 31-year-old.
He has also expressed his ‘love’ to one day return to England, via the Daily Mail, before. Yet he and his family are happy in Spain, and enjoys playing for Diego Someone.
Howe backs PIF plans to target Trippier transfer for Newcastle
Howe targeting Trippier as one of his first transfers as Newcastle boss follows PIF plotting a move for the Atletico Madrid defender.
Guillem Balague told BBC Radio 5 Live before Newcastle hired Howe that the Toon’s Saudi owners are ‘really interested’. He also noted that they had contacted the full-back’s agent.
So, all parties are seemingly in agreement that the £77k-a-week ace would be a worthwhile addition. Adding a player who England manager Gareth Southgate has often praised.
“Kieran has outstanding quality and that kind of profile in that position is very important,” Southgate once said, via talkSPORT.
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