MY ACCOUNT
Newcastle are set to wrap up a deal for Atletico Madrid and England right-back Kieran Trippier — next up is a striker.
The newly-wealthy Magpies were set to prioritise defensive reinforcements this window but an injury to Callum Wilson means Eddie Howe is now desperate for a new frontman too.
A report in the Telegraph claims the Tyneside club are working on several targets but their move for Trippier is at the most advanced stage.
Sealing an player of the 31-year-old’s stature is a statement of intent by Newcastle’s Saudi-led ownership as they look to boost their squad and avoid a disastrous relegation.
Trippier is a regular starter for Diego Simeone’s men and was a key figure in England’s run to the final of the European Championship over the summer.
The former Tottenham man had also been linked with a move to Manchester United but could now be heading to the North East where he will reunite with Howe, who he played under at Burnley.
Newcastle’s new financial status has reportedly seen selling clubs quote inflated prices for their players but there is a growing confidence they can get deals over the line.
While no striking options are mentioned in the report, it is likely to be high on the 19th-placed side’s agenda after Wilson suffered an injury in the encouraging draw with the Red Devils.
They are still awaiting the results of a scan on the No9’s calf but he is set to be absent for at least the whole of January.
It is claimed that they are also working on deals to sign Bournemouth centre-back Lloyd Kelly and Tottenham’s Joe Rodon on loan, while Lille defender Sven Botman is another target.
In other news
Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele will not sign a new contract with the club and the Frenchman is set to leave for free in the summer, according to journalist Gerard Romero.
The 24-year-old will be free to discuss pre-contract agreements on January 1, with both Newcastle and United previously linked.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano says Napoli have made contact with Old Trafford chiefs over a move for Axel Tuanzebe despite the defender currently being on loan at Aston Villa.
The Serie A side are keen on taking over the 24-year-old’s short-term deal and want to convince United by including an option to buy at the end of the spell.
Chelsea have enquired about the availability of France left-back Theo Hernandez, who Tuttosport claim has a £50million price tag at AC Milan.
The Express say Chelsea will also target defensive moves for Wolfsburg’s Maxence Lacroix, Fenerbahce’s Attila Szalai and Sevilla’s Jules Kounde.
