Newcastle United look set to pip Manchester United in the race to sign Atletico Madrid defender Kieran Trippier, as per Football Insights.

The Lowdown: Trippier in demand…

Trippier, who has been with the Spanish giants since 2019, is thought to be open to a Premier League return.

He was first linked with a move to Newcastle shortly before Eddie Howe’s arrival. Reports then claimed that Howe wanted to make the right-back his first January signing, with Manchester United also interested.

Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Everton are also willing to make a move, but it seems as if a move to Tyneside has been finalised.

The Latest: PIF’s first signing

The Mag relayed a claim from Football Insights, who suggested that Trippier is set to become PIF’s first signing after taking over at St James’ Park.

Football Insights' Twitter post on Monday evening believes that a move is ‘all done’, with more information set to come out 'in the next day or two'.

The Verdict: Shrewd move

Howe will know exactly what Trippier would bring to his side, with the 31-year-old making 61 appearances in total under him at Burnley, scoring four goals and registering 11 assists in all competitions over two seasons in Lancashire (Transfermarkt).

The Magpies also have just two right-backs on the books compared to three left-backs, so adding Trippier to his squad would balance thatt out nicely, and it seems as if Howe is going to get his wish.

The England defender has plenty of international experience and helped Atletico Madrid to the La Liga title last season, so securing his signature seems to be a good starting point as Howe looks to lift Newcastle out of the Premier League relegation zone over the coming months.

In other news: 'Seriously interested' - Fabrizio Romano has revealed PIF's 'top' Newcastle target