Newcastle keen on signing Kieran Trippier in January after helping Atletico Madrid win LaLiga title, with Magpies prepared to make former Tottenham defender highest-paid player

Newcastle are stepping up attempts to make England defender Kieran Trippier their first January signing, talkSPORT understands.

The Magpies are willing to make Trippier, who has six months to run on his Atletico Madrid contract, their highest-paid player.

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The former Burnley and Tottenham defender joined the LaLiga side from Spurs in 2019 for a fee of around £20million.

Since then, he has gone on to become a key member of Diego Simeone's squad, helping them to the Spanish title last season.

Manchester United and Arsenal were said to be keen on the right-back in the summer but were priced out of a move for the England international with the Red Devils reportedly seeing a £15m offer turned down.

It's understood personal terms are close to being agreed but Newcastle still need to agree a fee with the Spanish club.

It would take a bid of more than £25m to land the England full-back, but that would not be a problem for the newly-minted Magpies.

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Newcastle's interest came after Trippier enjoyed a successful summer playing for the Three Lions at Euro 2020, as Gareth Southgate's side reached the final.

He registered the assist for Luke Shaw's goal at Wembley against Italy, before England were pegged back and lost on penalties.

Newcastle are in desperate need of signings in January, with Eddie Howe's side 19th in the table.

Their 4-0 defeat to Leicester on Sunday highlighted their need for defensive reinforcements and, after their Saudi takeover earlier this year, they are ready to splash the cash this January in a bid to avoid the drop.

talkSPORT's Alex Crook brought us the latest on Newcastle's Trippier pursuit on Wednesday's White and Jordan show.

He said: “Kieran Trippier is on his way to St James’ Park from Atletico Madrid.

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“This was suggested to me by somebody I trust, that this is almost as good as done. Newcastle are really pushing for it.

“We know he is keen to return to the Premier League, he was when Manchester United were chasing his signature in the summer.

“His wages in Spain are in excess of £100,000-a-week - that would make him Newcastle’s top earner and they’re willing to do it.

“From a personal perspective, Trippier’s camp is very happy with the terms on offer, but Newcastle will still need to agree a fee with Atletico Madrid.

“They rejected a £15m offer from Man United in the summer, so Newcastle might have to go to more than £25m - but that’s no issue for them.

“I do feel this would be a statement signing from Newcastle, that they might be in trouble near the foot of the Premier League but they can still attract top, top players.”

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