10 months ago
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Newcastle United have rejected an initial approach from Bayern Munich for Kieran Trippier though are not totally against his sale, according to reports.
The 33-year-old has emerged as a sudden and rather unexpected target for the German champions, who already have two of Trippier’s ex-Spurs and England team-mates, Harry Kane and Eric Dier, in their ranks.
Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel is keen to bring in a new right-back before the January window closes, though talks with Paris Saint-Germain for preferred target Nordi Mukiele have stalled.
That has seen the Bavarians explore alternatives, with Trippier chief among them, though the Daily Mail are reporting that their first approach has been rebuffed.
Newcastle have little desire to lose the veteran full-back this month, particularly with their side already shredded by injuries.
However, if Bayern return with an offer that is too good to turn down then they could be compelled to accept the bid, particularly as they already have youngster Tino Livramento ready to step in.
It would still take a big offer to convince them to sell, though, and they will demand a fee that is well beyond the usual market value of a 33-year-old with just 18 months left on his contract.
Newcastle paid £12million when they signed Trippier from Atletico Madrid two years ago and they will be hoping for as much as that, if not more, now.
Although Eddie Howe sees Trippier as a key part of his plans for the second half of the season, there is time enough left in the window for developments to take place – particularly because the full-back is keen to make the switch to Germany.
Despite qualifying for the Champions League last season, Newcastle’s spending under their Saudi owners has been capped by financial fair play restrictions and they have not gone on the spree many were expecting.
The side need to sell in order to buy this month and stay on the right side of FFP rules, while they are struggling in the Premier League and sit 14 points adrift of the top four and a guaranteed spot back in the Champions League.
As a result, Trippier is believed to be keen to explore a potential switch to the Allianz Arena – where he would compete for the Bundesliga title and the Champions League – and has given encouragement to Bayern’s hierarchy.
Tuchel confirmed Bayern’s push for a new right-back earlier this month, saying: ‘We are looking for a right-back who is strong in duels. We’ll see if something is possible.
‘Nous Mazraoui is at the Africa Cup, but we have also gotten used to Konrad Laimer at right-back, even though it’s not his best position. If there’s an opportunity on the market, we’ll take it. Otherwise things will stay this way.’
MORE : Matthijs de Ligt open to leaving Bayern Munich amid renewed interest from Man Utd
MORE : Newcastle set to drop out of race to sign Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips
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