Eddie Howe 'is targeting Kieran Trippier as his first January signing' ahead of relegation fight - and Newcastle believe they 'can lure the Man United target away from Atletico Madrid'
- Eddie Howe is looking to bolster his Newcastle squad ahead of a relegation fight
- The Newcastle boss has reportedly identified Kieran Trippier as a January target
- The Magpies were taken over by Saudi-led Public Investment Fund last month
- The new mega-rich owners believe they can tempt Trippier back to England
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is targeting Atletico Madrid defender Kieran Trippier as the club's first big-money signing in January as he looks to bolster his squad, according to reports.
The new Magpies manager is looking to reinforce his ranks ahead of the club's relegation fight in the new year and the full-back is reportedly a priority target.
Manchester United were interested in a move for the 31-year-old in summer but were unable to agree a deal before the window slammed shut.
![Eddie Howe is targeting Atletico Madrid defender Kieran Trippier (L) as first January signing](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/11/23/14/50869499-0-image-a-35_1637679249604.jpg)
Eddie Howe is targeting Atletico Madrid defender Kieran Trippier (L) as first January signing
Atletico Madrid were reluctant to sell the England international and refused to budge on their £30million-plus asking price.
United could renew their interest in January but Newcastle are set to rival the Red Devils as they make moves for Trippier ahead of the window opening, according to The Mirror.
Newly mega-rich Newcastle reportedly believe they can lure Trippier back to the Premier League and think the move would appeal to him.
![](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/11/23/15/50870489-0-image-m-47_1637680664689.jpg)
The Newcastle boss (above) is looking to bolster his new squad ahead of a relegation battle
But Trippier is said to be settled in Spain with his family and has enjoyed success with Atletico since his £25m move in 2019.
He was a key member of their title-winning team last season and has praised Atletico boss Diego Simeone for improving the defensive side of his game.
However, Simeone's change in formations this season has seen Trippier's game time take a hit and the defender has not hidden his desire to one day return to English football.
Trippier has been out with a shoulder injury but is expected to be back within the next three to four weeks and the Spanish side are braced for offers in the January window.
Newcastle are facing a relegation battle but the new Saudi-led owners are prepared to splash the cash in January to equip Howe with the players he needs to stay afloat in the Premier League.
![Trippier has praised Atletico boss Diego Simeone (L) for improving his game defensively](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/11/23/14/50869669-0-image-a-36_1637679429998.jpg)
Trippier has praised Atletico boss Diego Simeone (L) for improving his game defensively
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