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Simon Jordan is baffled by reports linking Kieran Trippier with Newcastle and says it would be an “incredible decision” if the defender opted to leave Atletico Madrid in January.
Trippier, 31, is said to be a key target for Newcastle next month in what will be the first transfer window under the club’s new ownership.
The Northern Echo claim Newcastle are increasingly confident of signing the England international, who has been with Atletico Madrid since 2019.
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The Magpies are reportedly prepared to spend more than £30m to sign the right-back, who is entering the final 18 months of his contract at the Wanda Metropolitano.
However, former Crystal Palace owner Jordan says he would be hugely surprised if Trippier chose to swap life in the Spanish capital for a relegation scrap with Newcastle.
“The bottom line is, Trippier is a good player. I’m surprised to see him leaving Spain to go to Newcastle because there’s a distinct possibility, whichever way you cut it, that they’re going to get relegated,” Jordan said on talkSPORT.
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“There’s a World Cup coming up [in 12 months’ time].
“So it’s an incredible decision on his part because he’s risking the position of playing for his country in a World Cup by taking the decision to go to Newcastle.
“I would think the economics of it are very appealing. There’s no football decision here. This is his last contract.
“[Trippier could] stay in La Liga with an elite club where you’re guaranteed to be achieving things.”
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Trippier has now made 83 appearances for Atletico and was part of the side that won La Liga last season.
Former West Ham and Manchester City winger Trevor Sinclair believes the defender would be a perfect signing for Newcastle in their battle against the drop.
“Great signing. A fantastic player,” said Sinclair.
“His delivery is unbelievable so for set-pieces, which we know a lot of goals come from, he’ll be on them. That will just give them more threat going forward.
“They’ve got a defender in – which everyone knows Newcastle needed – but also someone who can deliver (the ball) on a sixpence.”
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Newcastle have also been linked with Lille centre-back Sven Botman and Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard.
However, manager Eddie Howe has warned supporters to not expect wholesale changes to the squad next month.
He told talkSPORT: “January is notoriously a very difficult window to sign players in.
“The group of players we have here have been my main focus and continue to be my main focus.
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“Getting the best out of every single one of those players is the key to us staying up.”
Featured Image Credit: PA ImagesTopics: Newcastle United, Transfers, Kieran Trippier, Atletico Madrid, Simon Jordan, La Liga, Premier League, Football