Kieran Trippier linked with sensational move to European giants

Bayern Munich are interested in striking a deal to sign Newcastle United right-back Kieran Trippier, several new reports have claimed.

Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel has openly admitted his desire to sign a new right-back this month, telling the press: "We are looking for a right-back who is strong in duels. We’ll see if something is possible. If there’s an opportunity on the market, we’ll take it."

Nordi Mukiele of Paris Saint-Germain was understood to be Bayern's primary target but talks over a transfer appear to have stalled in recent days and now reports in both England and Germany have named Trippier as a new target.

Sky Germany state Newcastle would be open to parting ways with Trippier on loan for the remainder of the season, which would be ideal for Bayern as they are seeking cover while usual starter Noussair Mazraoui is away at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Trippier has been key to Newcastle's resurgence since the arrival of the Saudi Public Investment Fund at St James' Park, but the 33-year-old has entered the final 18 months of his contract and Newcastle have a limited window of opportunity in which to cash in on Trippier for his full value.

Newcastle CEO Darren Eales recently acknowledged the threat of Financial Fair Play on the Magpies, conceding the club would soon be forced to sell players in order to raise the money needed for future reinforcements.

"It's just the nature of the beast," Eales said. "If you trade players on, it creates more headroom. You have to keep growing that headroom, increasing commercial revenue and player trading.

"It’s difficult to hypothesise, but if we’re offered £1bn for one of those players, then no one could argue against that making sense.

"Any decision we make will always be against the backdrop of the medium to long-term benefit for the club. It’s difficult to say specifically on certain players, but I can say that, if we’re going to get to where we want to get to, at times it is necessary to trade your players."

Right-back is one position in which Newcastle are well-stocked. The Magpies spent close to £40m to land 21-year-old Tino Livramento from Southampton during the summer but the Chelsea academy graduate has seen his minutes limited by Trippier's presence ahead of him in the pecking order.

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