Newcastle United are hopeful they can lure Kieran Trippier to St James' Park in January, according to The Northern Echo's Scott Wilson. 

The lowdown

The Magpies are said to be 'finalising their plans' for the January transfer window and, in his discussions with head of recruitment Steve Nickson, manager Eddie Howe has identified right-back as a 'priority area'. Howe's existing options in the position include Emil Krafth and Javier Manquillo.

Trippier made 107 Premier League appearances before he moved from Tottenham Hotspur to Atletico Madrid in 2019, notching 18 assists in that time.

The 31-year-old, who has been called a player of real 'quality' by his manager Diego Simeone, is thought to be earning £77,000 per week in the Spanish capital.

The latest

According to Wilson on Twitter, 'NUFC are hoping' that Trippier could be guided by his 2022 World Cup ambitions as he makes a decision on his future.

Marcos Llorente, a rival for the right-back spot at the Wanda Metropolitano, 'is seen as a coming force', raising concerns about the Englishman's game-time ahead of the tournament in Qatar.

Wilson revealed that the Magpies are willing to stump up £25m to make the deal happen.

The verdict

When you consider the extent of competition at right-back for England, you can understand why Trippier might be worried. Gareth Southgate could call upon Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reece James, Kyle Walker, Tariq Lamptey and more.

Leaving the Spanish champions for a relegation-threatened English club does seem quite a step-down, but perhaps Tuesday's night's events could be key.

Atletico could yet finish bottom of their Champions League group, leaving them without European football in the spring. In addition, they're already 10 points off the pace in La Liga, albeit with a game in hand.

All of a sudden, they might be a significantly less attractive proposition. That might yet prompt Trippier to strongly consider a return to his homeland.

In other news, a top Newcastle target has been revealed