Kieran Trippier on the verge of Newcastle United move
Atlético have been in talks with the experienced defender for the last two weeks to try to convince him not to leave, but both clubs are now finalising a deal.
Atlético Madrid defender Kieran Trippier looks set to join Newcastle United. The England international will leave Atlético after two and a half seasons with the Wanda Metropolitano outfit, where he won a LaLiga title under manager Diego Simeone.
Trippier set for England return
The 31-year-old is leaving the Spanish capital for family reasons. His wife and two children are in England and the player reportedly wants to be close to his family. He settled in very well at the current Spanish champions and is said to have been happy throughout his stint in Madrid. Trippier played in what now looks to have been his final game for the club in their 2-0 home win over Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. The right-back didn't train with Atlético this morning as the two clubs look to reach an agreement.
Atlético have been in talks with the experienced defender for the last two weeks to try to convince him not to leave, but both clubs are now are finalising the deal. Trippier has played 86 games for Atlético. The fee is expected to be in the region of €15 million.
Atlético look for replacement
The LaLiga club have been looking for a replacement for the English full-back for a couple of weeks now. For the right-back position, Simeone has a couple of options, including natural right-back Sime Vrsaljko and versatile midfielder Marcos Llorente. The latter performs better further forward, so sporting director Andrea Berta has been in the market in search of an out and out right-back. Chelsea defender César Azpilicueta's name has been mentioned, but Berta is sounding out half a dozen names that could come in to replace Trippier, who in the next few hours will say goodbye to Atlético.