NEWCASTLE are hoping to confirm the signing of Kieran Trippier NEXT WEEK, reports suggest.
Eddie Howe is desperate for reinforcements to help the mega-rich Magpies survive the drop, with Trippier expected to be his first signing.
A move for the 31-year-old Atletico Madrid man is said to be at an 'advanced' stage, according to the Telegraph.
However, Newcastle's January plans have had to change somewhat after Callum Wilson hobbled off the pitch in the 1-1 draw against Manchester United.
Defensive signings were understood to be a priority for Howe, but Wilson's calf injury means a new striker is also a necessity.
It's claimed that the club still remain 'confident' of getting a number of deals over the line early in the window, giving the club the best possible chance of a rapid change in fortunes.
Trippier previously played under Howe at Burnley and is thought to be open to a move back to the Premier League.
He has a reported £31million release clause in his Atletico Madrid contract, a mere drop in the ocean for Newcastle's mega-rich Saudi owners.
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Other reports suggest Trippier is available for as little as £15m.
Should a transfer be confirmed, Newcastle will have successfully fought off reported interest from both Manchester United and former employers Tottenham.
Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly, as well as Tottenham's Joe Rodon and Sven Botman of Lille have also been linked with a move to Tyneside.
However as Newcastle nervously await news of Wilson's injury, January's transfer plan has had to be adjusted.
Should Wilson be out for a number of weeks as expected, Dwight Gayle is left as the only recognised striker in the squad after Joelinton's remodelling as a marauding central midfielder.
But Gayle himself was hoping for a move away in the New Year, meaning a striker also has to be signed.
Although the club are battling against extortionate quotes on players as teams look to cash-in on Newcastle's riches.
Players wage demands are also high, as are agents commission demands, with some reluctance to join the club due to their league position.
But Toon chiefs remain confident that their £300m takeover by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund will help to get a number of deals over the line next month.
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