Kieran Trippier has outlined his desire to leave Newcastle this summer, according to a new report - and a surprise club has joined the race to sign him.
Trippier has been one of Newcastle's key players since joining the club from Atletico Madrid in January 2022.
After an injury-hit second part of last season, the 33-year-old was selected in England's Euro 2024 squad and played every game at left-back until the final.
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But he was left on the bench for Newcastle's opening Premier League game of the season against Southampton, with Tino Livramento preferred at right-back.
Now, The Athletic's David Ornstein reports that Trippier has confirmed that he wants to leave St James' Park after two-and-a-half years at the club.
It is claimed that, despite having two years left on his current contract after signing an extension last year, the defender 'wishes to explore fresh opportunities that will provide regular first-team football'.
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And it is fellow Premier League side Everton that are leading the race to sign him.
The Toffees have held initial talks with Newcastle over the signing of Trippier, who played under manager Sean Dyche while he was in charge of Burnley.
Everton have a selection crisis at right-back, with Nathan Patterson injured and Ashley Young having been sent off during the 3-0 opening day defeat to Brighton.
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Mason Holgate is expected to deputise this weekend away at Tottenham, but the defender was sent out on loan for an unsuccessful spell at relegated Sheffield United last season and it is unclear whether he has a future at Goodison Park beyond the current transfer window.
Youngster Roman Dixon, 19, is another option at right-back, but has yet to make his competitive senior debut for the Toffees.
He did play in the 3-1 victory over League Two side Tranmere Rovers in the EFL Trophy earlier this week, as part of a strong line-up which also featured striker Beto and new loan signing Jesper Lindstrom.
Topics: Kieran Trippier, Newcastle United, Premier League, Football, Transfers
Ryan Smart