Bayern Munich are reportedly interested in signing Newcastle United right-back Kieran Trippier during the January transfer window.
Earlier this month, head coach Thomas Tuchel publicly revealed that he is keen to recruit a new right-back before the window slams shut in Germany on February 1.
"We are looking for a right-back who is strong in duels. We'll see if something is possible," Tuchel told reporters.
"[Noussair] Mazraoui is at the Africa Cup (of Nations with Morocco), but we have also gotten used to Konrad Laimer at right-back, even though it's not his best position. If there's an opportunity on the market, we'll take it. Otherwise things will stay this way."
Bayern attempted to sign Manchester City's Kyle Walker last summer, but a move ultimately failed to materialise and the Englishman eventually extended his contract at the Etihad Stadium.
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The Bundesliga giants appear to have turned their attention to another England international, as multiple reports including Chronicle Live claim that they have identified Newcastle's Trippier as a possible January target.
It is understood that Bayern hope that they can persuade Trippier to move to Bavaria and link up with fellow international teammates Harry Kane and Eric Dier, the latter of whom recently joined the club from Tottenham Hotspur.
Trippier joined the Magpies from Atletico Madrid for around £12m in January 2022 and was a signing that signalled a significant change at the club shortly after the arrival of their Saudi-backed owners.
The 33-year-old has been a mainstay in Eddie Howe's side ever since, wearing the captain's armband on several occasions in the absence of Jamaal Lascelles, and he has made a total of 81 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals and registering 18 assists.
Trippier helped Newcastle secure a top-four finish in the Premier League last season and qualify for the Champions League, while the Magpies also progressed to the EFL Cup final.
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However, Trippier has been unable to replicate last season's impressive form in the 2023-24 campaign and has been responsible for a number of costly errors leading to goals during a period when Newcastle have collectively struggled to grind out positive results.
Newcastle have been dealing with a well-documented injury crisis for some time, but Financial Fair Play regulations are restricting the club from pursuing transfer targets this month.
Magpies CEO Darren Eales revealed earlier this month that every player at the club has a price and he refused to rule out the possibility of selling star players to balance their books.
Trippier has just over a year remaining on his contract at St James' Park, and although Howe would seemingly be reluctant to lose the influential right-back, Newcastle already have a ready-made replacement in the form of Valentino Livramento, who has impressed when presented with first-team opportunities this season.
Javi Manquillo is another right-back at Howe's disposal, but he has not made a single first-team appearance for the Magpies this season and Chronicle Live reports that the Spaniard is on the verge of joining La Liga side Celta Vigo.
Meanwhile, Newcastle have been credited with an interest in Bayern's versatile midfielder Joshua Kimmich, with one report claiming that they have made an enquiry for the German.
Oliver Thomas
