Newcastle United are in advanced negotiations with Kieran Trippier's representatives over a deal for the Atletico Madrid right-back.
As reported on Thursday by Chronicle Live, sources in Madrid stated that Trippier was "expected to leave" early in the January window.
However, a fee must be agreed by the La Liga side to release him and Newcastle will have to make Trippier the highest-paid player at St James' Park.
Newcastle staff already have a close relationship with Trippier's agency CAA Base who have a clutch of younger players on the books at United.
Trippier's current deal at Atletico has 18 months to run and there is a £34million release clause in his contract.
However, the Spanish side are prepared to drop their demands on that score as they look to do other business in the January window.
The England international could be the first signing of the new era at St James' Park and attracting the 31-year-old England star would be classed as something of a marquee deal by supporters.
Co-owners Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi released a joint statement on the eve of the January window, which read: "We have very important fixtures ahead of us and a January transfer window that we have worked tirelessly to prepare for, so let’s face our challenges head on and look forward to the second half of the season with optimism."
Howe is also looking to add a centre-back and striker to his squad after whittling down a shortlist at the end of last year.
