Newcastle United evening headlines January 5 2022:
Trippier arrives at Newcastle training ground
The completion of a deal for Kieran Trippier to become the first signing of Newcastle United 's new era appears imminent, as the full back arrived at the club's training ground today.
A medical will be carried out, with contracts signed presuming that all goes well in his medical assessment and an announcement is expected shortly after.
Expected signing leads to heated debate
The imminent signing of Trippier has led to much discussion online and amongst the media.
On TalkSport, Simon Jordan and Trevor Sinclair furiously debated the motivation behind the move.
Sinclair believes that Trippier will be excited to be a part of a 'fantastic football club' at the beginning of a project to establish themselves as a club competing at the top of the Premier League.
However, Jordan feels that the move is entirely financially motivated and that Trippier is lowering himself by moving from a Champions League club to St James' Park.
Newcastle grand plan post Trippier signing revealed
The hope is that the England international will be the first of several signings this January as the club looks to add quality to lift themselves out of the relegation battle they are currently embroiled in.
As Lee Ryder writes, the club aim to 'balance' the squad with quality signings in several different positions. Trippier comes in to add a top full back, whilst they are seeking a centre back, making enquiries over forwards to support Callum Wilson and cover for him in his absence. A defensive midfielder was also on the shopping list in the summer but nobody was brought in, so they may be interested in making a signing in that area, should the right player come up.
