Newcastle United look set to face late competition from Chelsea for Kieran Trippier’s signature, according to the Northern Echo.
The report claims that Atletico Madrid are holding out for more than we’ve offered in our initial bid. Although we are expected to return with an improved offer, it seems this has opened the door for others.
Chelsea’s ‘last-minute’ interest comes after Thomas Tuchel lost two full backs of his own through injury. Reece James has now been ruled out for two months and Ben Chilwell looks set to miss the rest of the reason with a ACL injury.
It is logical to assume that Tuchel sees Trippier as a short-term fix given his ability to play down either flank. Yet, once Reece James is back from injury, Trippier may find himself out of favour and back on the substitutes bench at Stamford Bridge.
This will hopefully come into the 31-year-old’s thinking, with the Northern Echo also reporting that our huge efforts to sign him, combined with his wish to return to the North (his family are based in the North-West) could help our cause.
Let’s hope we can fend off any late interest and make the England international our first signing of the Saudi era at St James’ Park. It would certainly be a statement of intent!
