Eddie Howe offers Kieran Trippier update as Newcastle United transfer speculation lingers

Newcastle United full-back Kieran Trippier's future is not so simple according to Eddie Howe

Eddie Howe has insisted that Kieran Trippier remains a "valuable" member of his Newcastle United squad.

It's approaching the 12 month anniversary of Bayern Munich making an official approach and bid for the former England international's services. Back then the idea was for Trippier to link up with Harry Kane in Germany under the guidance of former Bayern chief Thomas Tuchel.

But Newcastle rejected the bids and Trippier stayed on Tyneside to try to help steer Eddie Howe's side into Europe. Unfortunately, that proved to be unsuccessful and after an uncertain summer, Trippier has made just three starts in the Premier League.

After overcoming a hamstring injury sustained in the autumn stalemate at Everton, Trippier has played a part in recent Premier League and Carabao Cup matches. However, his role as a squad player - with Tino Livramento currently first choice - means there is likely to be talk of the 34-year-old leaving in the January window.

When asked how Trippier can be kept motivated with a new role of squad player, not least after the near miss with Bayern, Howe told Chronicle Live: "I don't think anything is as clear-cut as that. He's a very, very valuable member of the squad and really highly respected by all of us. He's an outstanding player.

"Now, he's just worked his way back from a couple of injuries that he's had, and he's, I would say, still working his way back to his absolute best fitness levels. I would say he's fit enough to play, no doubt about that, but he's still working his way back because he just hasn't had the football to underline those physical qualities.

"But there's no doubting him. He's come on the pitch in the last few games and I think his technical quality has been very high as always, and that's what sets him apart."

Howe also feels that Trippier's contributions will soon mount up going into 2025 and his experience over two legs of a Carabao Cup encounter with Arsenal may also prove to be crucial.

Howe said: "He's a very rare full-back, there are not many like him who can assist and create in the way that he does with both crosses and with long-range passing, so he's incredibly respected by us and wanted by us.

"I have no doubt that he could easily get back into the team and have a long run in the team. That's how good he is, so I don't see it quite like the question."