Newcastle reject measly late transfer offer for Kieran Trippier with Galatasaray willing to offer lucrative contract
GALATASARAY had a late bid rejected by Newcastle for Kieran Trippier hours before the Turkish transfer window shut on Tuesday.
The veteran full-back, 34, has been linked with an exit from St James’ for months and has endured a difficult campaign both on and off the pitch.
A year ago it was Bayern Munich who wanted the star before several Saudi Arabian clubs wanted him.
However, Galatasaray were the latest to try and test the waters but they could only conjure up a measly offer of £2.5m for the ex-England ace.
Having sold Miguel Almiron and Lloyd Kelly to Atlanta United and Juventus respectively last month, Toon chiefs know they will not face any PSR sanction come June.
Despite the chance to make some extra cash to bolster the summer transfer kitty, boss Eddie Howe was determined to hang on to Trippier.
Sun Sport understands that the Turkish giants were willing to offer the player a lucrative three-year package to move abroad.
However, Howe got his wish and the Magpies knocked back the late bid.
Trippier has played second fiddle to Tino Livarmento for much of the season but he shone when brought back into the side for last week’s win over Arsenal.
And that led to Howe declaring afterwards that he was determined to keep hold of the experienced ex-Tottenham and Atletico Madrid man.
He said: “Yeah, no part of us wanted to lose Kieran. He’s had a difficult season and not so much on the pitch.
“He’s had a couple of fitness issues that just halted his progress.
“He then came back into the team and had a really good couple of performances around Christmas time and showed his qualities again having not played a lot of football.”
Trippier, who is believed to be out of contract this summer, will now be looking to play a key role in helping Newcastle secure Champions League as well as end their 70-year wait for major silverware when they face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup Final next month.