Spanish football expert Guillem Balague has dropped the latest information regarding the future of Atletico Madrid right-back Kieran Trippier, with the Englishman reportedly keen on a move to Newcastle United.

What's the story?

Speaking to BBC 5Live's Euro Leagues show, Balague said: “Trippier has been approached. He likes the idea of going back. He doesn’t want to play in the Championship.

“But he would like to play for Newcastle next season, yes. I think he’s got a buy-out clause of about €31m or something like that.

“He has enjoyed Atletico Madrid but I feel he is ready to go back, go back to England.

“They [Newcastle] do want him January. He has said yes to them for January. It’s Atletico Madrid now who’s got to say, ‘We let him go now or at the end of the season.’”

Newcastle United are facing their first transfer window since the completion of their Saudi-backed takeover and have had countless amounts of players linked with moves to the North-East since the takeover was completed.

However, their Premier League status still remains well and truly in the balance, which could arguably prevent potential suitors from joining in January with their fate uncertain...Trippier included.

Newcastle fans will be buzzing

A swoop for the 31-year-old would be a major statement of intent from Eddie Howe and co. However, the uncertainty surrounding whether or not the Magpies will be relegated could prove a significant factor in the likelihood of a deal.

The Englishman has been a core member of Gareth Southgate's England squad since the 51-year-old took charge of the national team as well as playing a major part in Atletico Madrid's La Liga triumph last season.

Balague explained: "He was crucial last season, they changed their formation because of him and they took advantage of a lot of his fantastic crosses and his pushing on, going forward."

However, this season the right-back hasn't enjoyed similar fortunes with a shoulder injury holding him back lately.

Alas, Trippier's quality and experience would prove to be a seismic improvement on the current options of Javier Manquillo and Emil Krafth, neither of whom have particularly impressed this campaign.

It's exactly why Magpies fans will be buzzing with the potential of a deal.