Transfer insider Dean Jones has now dropped a 'big' claim on Newcastle United's summer plans, and also gave some injury news on Kieran Trippier.
The Lowdown: Trippier boost
Eddie Howe has confirmed that he is hopeful that Trippier will play again this season, after it was originally feared that he could be out for at least six weeks.
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Thankfully they have not needed him, as they look to have secured their safety in style, and the right-back will no doubt be looking forward to working with whoever they now bring in this summer.
They have been linked with exciting moves for the likes of Darwin Nunez and Philippe Coutinho, and are really starting to build a top squad.
The Latest: Jones update
Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones has revealed that the St. James' Park faithful are 'optimistic' that Trippier will be back 'very soon', and added that they will try and convince other 'big names' to join the former Tottenham Hotspur and Atletico Madrid star in the summer:
“I know with Trippier, they’re really optimistic that he’s back very soon. And they’re really keen that he does get a few games in before the end of the season, not just for himself in terms of fitness, but because for the last couple of games of the season, they want to have their strongest team out there.
“They want to end the season with the best team they possibly can, with the best results they possibly can, to go into the summer full of optimism, and then try and convince some big names to come and join them. So, they’re really optimistic that Trippier is going to be part of that.”
The Verdict: Exciting
With Trippier coming back to full fitness, safety in the top flight and a big summer ahead, these are no doubt exciting times for the Toon Army.
Adding to the win away at Norwich City this afternoon, Eddie Howe and his team will want to finish off the term strongly, and so gather momentum for a rebuild this summer.
They have the money to get some potentially huge deals done, but the real challenge will be to try and get those big names to buy into the long-term project.
In other news, find out what 'frustrating' NUFC injury blow has now emerged here!