Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone has confirmed the club has given Kieran Trippier 48 hours to finalise his move to Newcastle United.
The full-back is believed to be on the verge of moving back to England after two years with the Spanish side, who he joined in a €22m deal from Tottenham in 2019.
Reports in Spain have made it clear that Newcastle are closing in on his signature, with Marca stating today that a deal was close and the player’s willingness to return to England had been decisive in negotiations.
He’s since been pictured returning to the United Kingdom via a private plane, further indication that a move was close and Newcastle were getting their man.
Now Atlético boss Simeone has confirmed as much, revealing in his press conference today that they’ve given Trippier time off to wrap things up.
“I always look at the positive things; I am grateful to Trippier,” Cantabria Liberal report him saying.
“The club has given him 48 hours to resolve the situation. He has behaved very well and has been very important for us.
“We have to look forward and look for alternatives to make things work.”
It now remains to be seen if Trippier can get things finalised in that time period, although it seems unlikely that there will be any complications.
Simeone’s comments hint that there is already an agreement in place between all parties, and it may just simply be a case of a medical and then signing a contract.
Atlético certainly seem to be planning for life without the England man, who looks likely to be the first signing of the new era at St James Park.
