Kieran Trippier played the full 90 minutes for Atlético Madrid against Rayo Vallecano, and after the tie at Metropolitano he was the last to leave the pitch and was seen applauding the home supporters.
On Monday, Marca reported the right-back’s ‘gesture’ indicated the clash could be his last tie for the La Liga winners ahead of his potential switch to Newcastle United.
Another Spanish newspaper, AS, are also of the belief the 31-year-old has already played his last match for Los Rojiblancos and ‘everyone around the player is waiting for what happens’.
Manchester United were keen on signing the England international in the summer, but Diego Simeone’s side demanded €60m.That figure, after ‘intense negotiations’ in recent days, has been lowered to €30m.
Trippier’s chance to leave Madrid for the Tyneside club ‘seems evident, by gestures’ made after the Rayo Vallecano clash.
Eddie Howe’s side ‘squeeze’ and ‘insist’ on taking the defender as they have been ‘pursing the signing of Trippier for a long time’. With the latest approach from Newcastle and the player’s desire to return to England, a transfer could soon be on the cards.
If Trippier leaves Atlético, Simeone has identified Chelsea star César Azpilicueta as the ‘favourite’ target to replace the Englishman.
