Eddie Howe has issued an update on Kieran Trippier’s exit demands after it emerged the England international wants to leave Newcastle United this summer.
Trippier joined the Magpies in January 2022, becoming the first signing of the new Saudi Arabian-backed era at St. James’ Park.
The former Burnley and Tottenham Hotspur man has featured close to 100 times since, scoring four goals and registering over 20 assists.
But, his time in the North East looks as if it’s coming towards an end.
It was reported earlier this week that Trippier wants out of Newcastle before the end of this summer’s transfer window.
He’s not got long to sort an exit, given only seven days remain until the window slams shut.
However, the news that Trippier wants to leave the club came as somewhat of a surprise to boss Howe, who admitted he ‘doesn’t know where it’s come from’.
Speaking ahead of Newcastle’s weekend meeting with Bournemouth, Howe commented: “He's trained really well since he came back from the Euros and he continues to be really valued by all of us.
“He's just trained as normal and he's been very good. I'm not really sure where this has come from. He's preparing as we all are for the game on Sunday."
One reason for Trippier’s sudden urge to leave was said to be because the captain’s armband was taken off him.
It was announced this week that Bruno Guimaraes will instead captain Newcastle this season, but Howe insisted Trippier will still have a leadership role to play.
On the La Liga winner, Howe added: “His leadership skills, his ability with the ball, his assist record, everything he brings to the group we definitely want here.
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“My wish is he stays here and plays for us. But I can never answer with absolute certainty…
“He’s an incredible leader behind the scenes, and Kieran [Trippier] and Dan [Burn] in the leadership group continue their roles. Bruno has stepped up to be team captain, but we need 11 leaders on the pitch, regardless of who wears the armband."
Everton had been credited with the most interest in the right-back, with boss Sean Dyche having worked with Trippier while the pair were at Burnley.
But any deal would have to be on favourable terms for Newcastle, considering the Bury-born ace still has two years left on his existing deal.