Newcastle United have been rocked by a huge development as England international Kieran Trippier has reportedly requested a departure from St James’ Park.
According to The Guardian, Trippier has handed in a transfer request and is hoping to secure a move away from Tyneside amid interest from at least one Premier League club.
Despite manager Eddie Howe’s efforts to retain the 33-year-old right-back, there is growing speculation that Trippier will leave the club before the end of the transfer window.
A loan exit has been touted as a possible solution, with the player keen on finding regular playing time as he enters the latter stages of his career.
Newcastle paid £12 million to sign Trippier from Atletico Madrid in January 2022, and he has been an integral part of Howe’s squad both on and off the pitch.
His contributions have been invaluable, especially during Newcastle’s historic Champions League qualification campaign.
However, recent developments have seen him fall down the pecking order, and Everton have been mentioned as a potential landing spot for the former Tottenham Hotspur star.
The defender, who turns 34 next month, has been stripped of his captaincy, with Howe naming the coveted Bruno Guimaraes as the new skipper.
Jamaal Lascelles remains the team leader, but his injury means Guimaraes will wear the armband this season.
Trippier has also given up the St. James’ Park box, which was previously reserved for his family and friends. These moves have sparked rumours of an imminent departure.
The Englishman was an unused substitute in Newcastle’s 1-0 victory over Southampton in their Premier League curtain raiser, with Tino Livramento taking his place at right-back.
The talented defender has struggled with injury problems since joining Newcastle, but he has returned to full fitness and is now Howe’s first choice at right back.
Trippier came close to joining Bayern Munich last January. A summer exit is still on the cards, although Everton will face competition from Atalanta and Galatasaray.
