Newcastle make breakthrough in Kieran Trippier transfer talks with Atletico Madrid

Newcastle have made the breakthrough in talks with Atletico Madrid over the signing of Kieran Trippier – with the La Liga champions now resigned to losing the 31-year-old as the two clubs now work on agreeing a final fee. Diego Simeone has made it clear on multiple occasions this week that he would love to keep fan-favourite Trippier in the Spanish capital but admitted the decision rests firmly in the full-back and his entourage’s court.

And in black and white – quite literally – Trippier has received a lucrative contract offer that is simply too good to turn down at this stage of his career.

After two-and-a-half seasons in Spain, he would return to the Premier League to become Newcastle’s highest-paid player, while also becoming central to the club’s ambitious plans under the Saudi-backed consortium.

Sources were unable to confirm to Express Sport whether any potential deal does in fact include a relegation clause, that would enable Trippier to leave Newcastle this summer in the event of relegation.

However, Newcastle and Atletico Madrid are now on the verge of agreeing a deal expected to be in the region of £25million (between €28m-€30m).

READ MORE: Kieran Trippier’s actions after Atletico Madrid win as Newcastle transfer edges closer

The Magpies’ opening offer for Trippier was rejected earlier this week with Atletico determined to keep hold of their defensive stalwart as they bid to get their season back on track.

But after Trippier’s prolonged applause and appreciation of the home fans at the Wanda Metropolitano after Atletico’s 2-0 win over Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, it was clear the player felt this was goodbye. 

Atletico’s stance on a sale has now changed with club chiefs now focused on agreeing a suitable financial package that satisfies their demands.

Newcastle first opened talks with Trippier’s representatives way back in October following the completion of the £305m takeover.

By December, the St James’ Park hierarchy were confident they could convince Trippier to become the club’s first marquee arrival under new ownership.

Manchester United and Arsenal had shown interest in Trippier last summer but both have failed to return to the table.

There has been speculation in recent days that Chelsea could look to hijack Newcastle’s attempts to sign the player after Reece James was ruled out for eight weeks with a suspected hamstring tear.

The Blues are in need of cover at wing-back after also losing Ben Chilwell for the rest of the season after he was forced to undergo surgery to reconstruct his ACL.

But Newcastle are now looking to wrap up a deal which is now on course to be completed later this week.

Atletico boss Simeone said last night: “We have always had to live with these situations; important and very good players within the team who have possibilities of leaving.

“Then it will depend on what the footballer himself wants.

“Consequently, we will try to follow what is happening and look for solutions.

“He is an important player for our team and we coaches can’t do too much in terms of players’ decisions, we can only tell Trippier how important he is for the team.”