An update has emerged on Newcastle United target Kieran Trippier, regarding Atletico's stance on his future...

What's the talk?

According to the Daily Mail, the Magpies target will be allowed to depart the Spanish giants if a bid in the region of £15m comes in for him.

The report claims that they are wary of losing him on a free transfer next summer and will sanction a cut-price deal if they are able to source a replacement of their own.

Instant masterclass

Newcastle have hired Nick Hammond as a short-term transfer consultant to guide them through the January window and he could seal an instant masterclass by helping to secure a move for Trippier.

The former Reading chief could make an immediate impact by helping PIF and Eddie Howe to finalise a deal for the right-back as he could be a superb addition to the squad.

Howe's team have struggled badly at the back this season, with the most goals conceded in the division, and signing Trippier could be the first step on the road to recovery.

He has proven himself at the top level for club and country and would arrive at St. James' Park with pedigree and, potentially, a degree of expectation. The 31-year-old averaged an impressive WhoScored rating of 7.20 in La Liga for Atletico last term, producing six assists from full-back, showing that he remained consistently excellent throughout the campaign.

England boss Gareth Southgate was previously full of praise for the defender, saying:

“What Kieran has, firstly, is hugely underestimated. People are still seeing the lad that was at Spurs a couple of years ago and not the defensive animal that has grown at Atlético Madrid, trusted by one of the best and most successful coaches in the world.

“He gets his distances right on cover, he’s good one-v-one to stop crosses and his talking is really good. There was always going to be changes to our back four and we felt that communication and organisation was an important part.”

Also hailed as "outstanding" by the Three Lions manager, there is clearly plenty to like about the full-back.

Trippier has also proven his quality in the Premier League, for Tottenham. In his last season for Spurs, he averaged a WhoScored rating of 7.10 and made 3.4 tackles and interceptions per game whilst also providing one goal and three assists, highlighting his ability to make a difference at both ends of the pitch.

Therefore, Hammond could pull off an instant masterclass by signing the defender as his experience and quality could aid Howe in his efforts to steer the club clear of relegation by improving their fragile defence.

AND in other news, PIF eyeing NUFC deal for "extraordinary" 363-goal gem, he'd be "world-class" for Howe...