Eddie Howe alongside Kieran Trippier (Picture: Getty)
Eddie Howe has insisted that Kieran Trippier remains a ‘valuable member of the squad’ as transfer rumours swirl over a potential exit from Newcastle United.
The 33-year-old was brought in as a key first-team figure from Atletico Madrid in January 2021 and has been a key cog throughout Howe’s tenure at St James’ Park.
However, the England international was on the bench for Newcastle’s Premier League opener against Southampton last weekend, remaining an unused substitute as Tino Livramento played in his usual position.
Reports on Thursday suggested that Tripper was considering a move to guarantee himself first-team football, with Everton an interested party, but Howe is keen for the full-back to stay.
‘The situation is business as usual. Tripps has trained really well this week,’ he said at his pre-match press conference ahead of Newcastle’s trip to Bournemouth.
‘I’m surprised by a lot of the stories that have come out. [he is] a valuable member of the squad.
‘His professionalism has been first class. He’s trained really well since he came back from the Euros. He continues to be really valued by all of us. He’s just trained as normal and he’s been very good.’
Trippier played for Newcastle’s U21 side in midweek (Picture: Getty)
‘I’m not really sure where this has come from. He’s preparing as we all are for the game on Sunday.’
Newcastle previously rebuffed offers for Trippier last January amid interest from Saudi Arabia and Bayern Munich and Howe is confident the club will do the same in the closing weeks of this summer window.
‘I hope so,’ Howe responded when asked if he thinks Trippier will remain at the club. ‘I can never answer these questions with absolute certainty because it’s football and the transfer window is always unpredictable.
‘But my wish is that he stays here and continues to play for us.’
Newcastle are still seeking additions to their squad, particularly at centre-back following the red card to Fabian Schar against Southampton, but Howe was unable to offer any meaningful updates.
‘No news,’ he said when asked about incomings.
‘I’m a step removed from it so it’s always difficult for me to give you definitive answers but I’m aware there’s still work going on behind the scenes…I’m not getting regular updates so what will be will be.’
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