The rumour mill is ticking over so ferociously at Newcastle United that it has become something of a blur. Endeavouring to separate the probable and possible from speculative and silly is now a thankless task, but occasionally a story comes along that catches the eye.
For a brief moment the wheel stops spinning, dizziness subsides and dreams of what could be start to form.
There are plenty of rumours that could tick those boxes for Magpies fans right now, with barely an hour of the day passing without another superstar name being added to a recruitment pot that overflowed within minutes of a takeover at St James’ Park being completed.
It is easy to see why speculation has gone into overdrive, with it abundantly clear that Eddie Howe is going to require reinforcements in January. Latest Premier League odds from Paddy Power still have Newcastle at 8/11 to slip through a relegation trapdoor this season, with money in the bank unable to buy points on the board.
? @trippier2 pic.twitter.com/klIARpfu5r
— England (@England) October 8, 2021
Funds can, however, aid that quest considerably and the expectation is that plenty will be put to good use in January. If the Magpies land a handful of the players they are being linked with at present then it will have been a productive window for all concerned.
One of the more notable names to stand out on that list is Kieran Trippier. The Mirror are among those to have suggested that admiring glances from Tyneside are being shot in the direction of an Englishman in Spain.
A deal to be done?
Such musings should come as no surprise, given that Newcastle are eyeing up players of his calibre, but there may be more to this rumour than most. At a time of the year in which idle gossip dominates, some substance can be found.
There has been no official word out of the North East regarding a supposed raid on the ranks at Atletico Madrid for an England international right-back, but you can imagine that discussions have been held behind the scenes.
I’m so proud of this team. Such a young talented group of players. We gave everything we had for you fans and i’m sorry it wasn’t enough. The support we’ve received is something we will never forget.
— Kieran Trippier (@trippier2) July 12, 2021
We will be back stronger.
Thank you ??????? ❤️ @England #england pic.twitter.com/V3pGPYKavu
Trippier would represent a considerable coup for the Magpies and allow a statement of intent to be made early on in what remains an ambitious long-term project. Marquee additions may follow further down the line, but for now solid ones are the order of the day.
It is important that nobody looks to start running before they can walk, with baby steps required at this stage in order for giant leaps to be taken in the future.
Landing a man with Premier League experience and 35 caps to his name would be a definite shuffle in the right direction. Players of Trippier’s ilk are not to be sniffed at or passed up if an opportunity to secure their signature presents itself.
It is also worth noting that Manchester United have, by BBC Sport, been credited with interest in the recent past. Beating the Red Devils to anything is always a memorable experience and further highlights the markets that the Magpies are now shopping in.
It remains to be seen whether Howe and Co walk the walk in the new year, but for now Trippier is definitely deserving of the talk.