McLeish issues ‘amazing’ claim after source update on Newcastle talks to sign Trippier
Kieran Trippier’s “amazing experience” would be invaluable to Newcastle United as they fight to beat the drop.
That is the view of ex-Scotland manager Alex McLeish, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the 31-year-old Atletico Madrid right-back.
This site revealed on 15 December that Newcastle want to make Trippier a marquee signing and that discussions with Atletico were underway.
But a Newcastle source updated last Thursday (23 December) that talks have hit the buffers due to Trippier’s £120,000-a-week wage demands.
Trippier‘s deal expires at the end of the season but Atletico have the option to extend it by a further 12 months if he starts 20 matches this term.
The 35-cap England man has started 14 times in 2021-22, including in struggling Atletico’s 2-1 defeat to Granada last Wednesday (22 December).
McLeish claims that the ex-Burnley and Tottenham man’s experience could be a huge asset if Newcastle are prepared to compromise over his salary.
“Kieran is 31 and he has got amazing experience in the game now,” he told Football Insider‘s Ben Wild.
“It’s not as if you’re going out and buying a young superstar. You’d be getting a very experienced pro if you manage to bring him into the club.
“He knows how to slow things down a little bit, which is always a useful asset to have on your team.”
Trippier, who was part of Atletico’s title-winning team last term, is yet to provide a goal or assists this season.
Diego Simeone’s side are 5th in La Liga and trail leaders and rival Real Madrid by 17 points.
In other news, significant update on Newcastle United signing Dele Alli after two sources update today.