Newcastle 'are growing confident they can sign Kieran Trippier'

Newcastle are reportedly growing in confidence that they can sign Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid to become their first signing of the January transfer window.

Magpies boss Eddie Howe is said to have made the full back one of his priority targets as he looks to bring in reinforcements ahead of Newcastle's looming relegation battle.

The England international is reportedly open to making a return to England and could be made available by Atletico Madrid, who could risk losing him for nothing at the end of the season.

The 31-year-old would arrive at St James's Park on a permanent transfer, according to The Athletic.

However, clauses relating to what would happen in the event of relegation at the end of the summer are still being negotiated.

Trippier, who has previously played in the Premier League for Tottenham and Burnley, is unlikely to want to switch the Champions League for the Championship.

Newcastle have reportedly approached Trippier over a move but it remains to be seen if Atletico will be willing to let him go, according to Guillem Balague.

Speaking on the BBC 5Live’s Euro Leagues show via Chronicle Live, Balague said: 'Trippier has been approached. He likes the idea of going back. He doesn't want to play in the Championship.

'But he would like to play for Newcastle next season, yes. I think he's got a buy-out clause of about €31m or something like that.

'He has enjoyed Atletico Madrid but I feel he is ready to go back, go back to England.

'Atletico Madrid don't want to let him go but at the same time....He was crucial last season, they changed their formation because of him and they took advantage a lot of his fantastic crosses and his pushing on, going forward.

'But right now he's been injured, he had that problem where he had to disappear from everybody's sight, and even thought they're not in a great place, they consider him somebody that can be sold, yes.'

Newcastle are reportedly looking to seal the deal next week as an early statement of intent ahead of the remainder of the campaign, as they bid to retain their top flight status.