Newcastle right-back Kieran Trippier is attracting interest from Bayern Munich, with a potential swap deal with Joshua Kimmich on the cards, according to reports.
Trippier has been one of the linchpins of Eddie Howe’s side since his arrival from Atletico Madrid in January 2022.
However, the England international is said to be a top target for the defending Bundesliga champions who are keen to improve their options at full-back.
‘We’re looking for a right-back so we’ll see if something is possible,’ Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel confirmed this week. ‘We’ve got used to Konrad Laimer at right-back but it’s not his best position.’
The Magpies are likely to be reticent to letting the 33-year-old go but could be tempted if they are given the green light to sign Bayern’s Joshua Kimmich, according to The Guardian.
Newcastle are targeting midfield reinforcements this window in the wake of Joelinton’s season-ending injury and were already interested in Kimmich.
The club are currently hamstrung by financial fair play restrictions meaning any permanent signings would have to be financed by outgoings.
Kimmich, meanwhile, has 18 months left on his contract with Bayern but is said to be reluctant to leave the club this window.
Newcastle were also interested in a loan deal for Kalvin Phillips, although any deal for the midfielder now looks unlikely due to Manchester City’s demands.
Howe has spoken frequently about his desire to bring in bodies in this window but suggested that his side are struggling to recruit as few teams seem willing to negotiate with them.
‘Given the freedom to act, we would have brought players in already but we’re not in that situation,’ the 46-year-old said recently. ‘The owners are very ambitious and would like to improve the squad at every opportunity but the rules and conditions we’re working under don’t allow that.
‘Sometimes you have to make short-term signings, take your long-term vision away and do something to help us for the here and now. I’d be quite happy to do that. We’re probably in a short-term moment now where the squad needs help for the next few weeks.
‘I think there is value in the loan market, but I’m not sure there is for us. We’re in that moment where I don’t think we have many friends in the market. I’m not sure anyone wants to help us out.’
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