Nick Hammond is reportedly now closing in on signing Kieran Trippier for Newcastle United, and a deal could be done as early as next week.

The Lowdown: Hammond surely busy

After being hired as a transfer consultant at St. James' Park on a short-term deal (Sky Sports), Hammond is surely going to be a very busy man in the January transfer window, as the North East club look to try and pull themselves out of the relegation zone.

A whole host of names have been linked with a move to Tyneside in recent times, such as Nicolas Tagliafico and Issa Diop, as it looks like strengthening the defensive backline is going to be the priority once the window opens in just a couple of days.

The Latest: Trippier in?

Writing in his latest piece for The Daily Telegraph, Luke Edwards has revealed that the Magpies are now closing in on the signing of Trippier, and are hopeful that they can strike a deal with Atletico Madrid as early as 'next week'.

However, they have also now been forced to alter their transfer plans after the latest injury suffered by Callum Wilson.

The Verdict: Smart move

With the experience that he has playing in the Premier League and Champions League, as well as competing for titles with Atletico, Trippier would certainly be a smart first addition from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium.

Described as a 'defensive animal' by Gareth Southgate back in June, the £82,000-per-week right-back would certainly improve the defence, and those animal-like tendencies on the pitch would suggest that he would be up for a relegation fight, instantly endearing himself to the Toon Army as well.

Nonetheless, he is a player that Eddie Howe of course knows well having coached him at Burnley, and so he would know how to get the best out of the 31-year-old.

This one feels like a no brainer for Hammond and the new owners.

In other news, find out which Premier League 'monster' NUFC have now 'established contacts' over here!