Newcastle were prepared to sell Kieran Trippier to AS Monaco near the end of this summer’s transfer window, but the 35-year-old right-back refused the move. Being in the final season of his contract at St. James’ Park, he will be able to talk to clubs outside England over a potential free transfer from January 1st.
However, according to the Newcastle local outlet Chronicle, manager Eddie Howe remains of the stance that Trippier is a very important player in his squad. Though he has lost his place in the starting XI in recent matches, the veteran defender is set to be reinstated after Tino Livramento picked up an injury in the Arsenal defeat on Sunday.
Therefore, Howe wants the question of Trippier’s future resolved as soon as possible, in order to avoid any lack of focus on the pitch, not to mention the possibility of a situation arising similar to that of Callum Wilson at the end of last season, when the striker refused to sign a contract based on appearance incentive and joined West Ham as a free agent.
