Newcastle United are adamant that they will not sell Kieran Trippier or Callum Wilson this month.
Bayern Munich had an initial loan bid rejected for Trippier, the club’s vice-captain, over the weekend, while Atletico Madrid have shown interest in Wilson, Newcastle’s No 9.
Although Newcastle are very close to their limit when it comes to the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules (PSR), as things stand there is a steadfast desire to keep key first-team players at St James’ Park for the second half of the season. Senior figures have spoken with Trippier and Wilson, neither of whom are agitating to move, even if there is an appeal to joining such elite European clubs.
Eddie Howe, the head coach, does not want to lose Trippier or Wilson mid-season, and, given the injury crisis which has gripped the club, he does not have the depth to consider allowing first-team regulars to depart. Wilson is among that injured contingent, though he is set to return from a calf problem later this month.
Newcastle do need to generate funds from player sales in the coming months, with their PSR situation hampering potential incoming business. Howe is keen to bring in a midfielder as a minimum before the February 1 deadline, but Newcastle are reluctant to pay a loan fee for a short-term addition this month, instead preferring to structure deals via a loan with an obligation to buy so that instalments are deterred until the summer and beyond.
Trippier has been the standard-bearer of Newcastle’s post-takeover regime; not only was he the hierarchy’s first signing, but he has raised levels on and off the field. This season, Trippier has provided eight assists in all competitions, though the 33-year-old’s form has dipped in recent weeks, resulting in high-profile mistakes against Everton and Chelsea.
Tino Livramento joined from Southampton for around £40million ($50.8m) and is viewed as Trippier’s long-term successor, but Newcastle feel their on-field captain remains fundamental to their plans.
Wilson, meanwhile, has scored nine goals in 10 starts across all competitions. Although the 31-year-old has fallen behind Alexander Isak in the pecking order and has suffered from a string of injuries since arriving on Tyneside in 2020, Newcastle would need to bring in a replacement if Wilson departed so there is no desire to allow him to leave this month.
Newcastle will part with fringe players in January, though there has been little to no interest so far. Given their PSR situation, should Newcastle receive an eyewatering offer for a first-team player, then they would at least need to consider it, but they will not allow anyone to leave on the cheap.
(Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
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