Newcastle United
Premier League • England
Newcastle United close in on big-name signing, despite a changing transfer plans
Newcastle United have had to change their transfer plans, but they are closing in on a deal to sign Kieran Trippier as early as next week, claims a report.
Newcastle have been working hard behind the scenes on a list of transfer targets. Former Reading and Celtic director of football Nick Hammond is working on transfers for the club in January. And a move for England star Trippier is the “most advanced”, according to the Daily Telegraph.
The club are said to be confident of getting some deals over the line at the start of January. But there is still some ends to tie up with a transfer for Trippier with Atletico Madrid.
The 31-year-old was on the radar of Manchester United in the summer, but the defender’s £31m release clause is believed to have put off United.
Now though Newcastle lead the chase for the Burnley man, who is believed to be eager to return to England.
The interest in Trippier is real and has been confirmed by several sources at the club.
As per the report, Newcastle have faced the predictable, inflated prices for players. The recent Saudi Arabian takeover has made them prime buyers with clubs and agents trying to cash in.
Newcastle want Arsenal striker Aubameyang in January
Newcastle want Aubameyang in January as they look to survive the drop
“There is a price for Newcastle and a different one for every other club,” reported the Telegraph. “But we know what needs to be done, the list of targets is there and we are working extremely hard to get them finalised as quickly as we can.
“Everyone knows we need players to help the ones we already have and the earlier we get them in January the better.”
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New plans for Newcastle
Eddie Howe’s priority was to bolster a rearguard which has conceded 42 goals in 19 Premier League games. But a calf injury to striker Callum Wilson has also made the signing of a forward a “pressing need”.
Wilson dropped to the ground in agony after dribbling past a Manchester United challenge on Monday. He could be missing for a number of months and Howe wants a replacement in January.
Newcastle only have one specialist centre forward in the squad in Dwight Gayle. But when Wilson went off against United on Monday night, Howe sent on Jacob Murphy instead of Gayle.
Gayle eventually came on in the 83rd minute, but It’s understood Howe does not see the 32-year-old as the solution while Wilson is missing.
So Amanda Staveley, Hammond and Howe’s backroom team have been forced into looking into striking targets.
The club are reportedly ‘in the mix’ for Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, according to Sport.
The frozen-out Arsenal forward is believed to be eyeing up a move after falling out with Mikel Arteta.
READ MORE: PIF eyeing Newcastle transfer masterstroke with ex-Liverpool man to transform Howe team