Manchester United and Tottenham have reportedly lodged an enquiry with Atletico Madrid for Kieran Trippier, who is a target for Newcastle United.
According to a report from 90Min, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have submitted enquiries to reigning La Liga champions Atletico Madrid to explore the possibility of signing Kieran Trippier. The 31-year-old is also a January transfer target for Newcastle United.
Trippier signed for Atletico from Tottenham in the summer of 2019 and has grown into a vital player for Diego Simeone’s side. The England international was a key contributor to Los Rojiblancos’ La Liga title triumph last season and has continued to be an ever-present in the side this term when fit and available.
Trippier has made 85 appearances for Atletico, racking up 11 assists in the process. A regular in the England national team setup, the right-back has been heavily linked with a return to the Premier League since summer, following his exploits at the UEFA Euro 2020. Manchester United were intent on signing him but failed to strike an agreement with the La Liga giants.
However, the Red Devils have continued to keep tabs on the 31-year-old and are believed to be interested in making a play for his transfer in January. A move for Trippier makes a great deal of sense for the 20-time English champions as Aaron Wan-Bissaka has had a mediocre campaign and has struggled to offer much in the attacking sense – a quality that is expected of the full-backs in Ralf Rangnick’s current system.
In addition, Diogo Dalot’s future at Old Trafford is not entirely certain, even though he has made a decent impression since Rangnick took over. So, a move for someone like Trippier with natural attacking abilities and the penchant to hit accurate crosses would certainly appeal, even though he would be a short-term fix at best. To that end, Manchester United have enquired about him with Atletico, as per the report.
Tottenham, who surprisingly sold Trippier over two years ago, are also now believed to be back in the hunt for his signing as his qualities would fit in well in Antonio Conte’s wing-back system. The Lilywhites signed Emerson Royal last summer, but the Brazilian has had difficulty adapting to English football while Matt Doherty could be on his way out after a disappointing eighteen months at the club.
With Japhet Tanganga not a natural full-back, bringing in someone like Trippier would be a sensible move. But both Manchester United and Tottenham will have to battle Newcastle United for his signing. The Magpies are seeking an upgrade on their current options at right-back, with both Javi Manquillo and Jacob Murphy not producing the goods consistently.
Manager Eddie Howe is familiar with Trippier, having worked with him at Burnley in the past and is keen on a reunion. They were understood to be closing in on the Englishman’s signing with a contract offer worth £150,000-a-week being readied. However, the emergence of new suitors could derail the move.
Apart from these three clubs, Aston Villa, Wolves, Crystal Palace and Everton are also keeping tabs on the England star’s situation. So, it remains to be seen who ends up signing Trippier as a return to England in January looks increasingly likely.
