Trippier wants to LEAVE Newcastle this summer despite Howe's desire to keep him

Kieran Trippier is open to a new challenge away from Newcastle after a week in which he lost the team captaincy - but Eddie Howe has told the defender he needs him as part of his squad.

The England star was told by the head coach last week that he would not be starting the season opener versus Southampton and that Bruno Guimaraes was now the permanent onfield skipper, as revealed by Mail Sport.

Trippier, as vice captain, had previously worn the armband in the absence of Jamaal Lascelles and is said to be disappointed by the timing of learning he would no longer fulfill that duty.

However, he maintains a very good relationship with Howe and is happy for team-mate Guimaraes. His desire to leave is said to be motivated by other factors.

He was an unused substitute during the 1-0 win over the Saints and decided to play 45 minutes of Monday’s Under-21 fixture against Sunderland, with Howe in attendance.

Trippier has two years to run on his contract at St James’ Park and would be open to leaving in the coming week if the right opportunity came along.

Everton are exploring a move but we understand that may not appeal to the player. Atalanta and Galatasaray have shown an interest.

West Ham also admire the player, but he does not want to move to London.

Howe wants him to stay and believes he can be a leader with or without the armband.

It is not a given that Tino Livramento will be first choice at right back and it is hoped Trippier will soon be back at peak fitness, having returned late to pre-season after his participation at Euro 2024.

He is hugely popular on Tyneside and has been a transformational signing for the club since arriving for £12million from Atletico Madrid in January 2022.

He could have left for Bayern Munich in January of this year but committed himself to the club.