Kieran Trippier appeared to hint he could be about to bid farewell to Atletico Madrid after the right-back was the last player off the pitch after his side's 2-0 La Liga win over Rayo Vallecano. The England international, who has spent two-and-a-half seasons in the Spanish capital, is understood to be closing in on a return to the Premier League.
Trippier has previously played in the top-flight with both Burnley and Tottenham, who he left in the summer of 2019 to sign for Atletico.
Now Newcastle are determined to bring him back to his homeland as part of their survival ambitions.
The idea is to make Trippier the club's highest-paid player, while there is also talk a relegation clause could be negotiated into the deal.
The Magpies are set to splash the cash following the completion of their £305m Saudi-backed takeover in October with Trippier now one of their top targets.
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Trippier was then met by a member of staff, who put his arm around the full-back.
This was perhaps the clearest indication that Trippier could now be heading back to the Premier League.
Diego Simeone made it clear in midweek that any final decision on a transfer rests with the player.
Speaking after his side's triumph, 'El Cholo' confirmed he was desperate for Trippier to stay put.
Kieran Trippier could now join Newcastle from Atletico Madrid (Image: GETTY)
"We want him to stay, but you can’t force anyone to stay. An extraordinary player," he said.
Chelsea are also thought to be considering a surprise move for the 31-year-old.
The Blues have lost both Ben Chilwell and Reece James to injury and need some additional cover at wing-back.
Manchester United and Arsenal were both keen on Trippier in the summer but are yet to reignite their interest.