Newcastle United are staying tight-lipped on reports and suggestions that Kieran Trippier to St James' Park is a " done deal" in January.
A move to Manchester United for the England right-back did not materialise in the summer and ChronicleLive has learned from sources in Spain his preferred destination remains Old Trafford.
Man. United had gone as far as offering a relocation package for Trippier and his family but Atletico Madrid blocked the deal last summer.
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Whether Newcastle can still force the issue with a January move remains to be seen.
Trippier's contract runs until 2023 but he has previously spoken about returning to England on the record.
Howe stated he would not comment on "individual players" when pressed today but did add: "There may be one or two players that can help the squad, but I don't think that has to be our main focus.
"Our main focus has to be getting more out of the players that are already here."
When asked about his future, Trippier had said: "I came here to try to achieve great things and I'd won the league.
"I would love to play in the Premier League again."
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