According to sources, Eddie Howe, the manager of Newcastle United, is “surprised” that Kieran Trippier wants to leave the team.
The 33-year-old England international did not play a role in Saturday’s 1-0 victory against Southampton for the Magpies.
Trippier “continues to be really valued” by the team, according to Howe.
“Everything is going according to plan; Kieran Trippier trained really well this week. “A lot of the stories that have surfaced have surprised me,” Howe remarked on Friday at a press briefing.
“[He is] an important team player. He has demonstrated excellent professionalism.”
Kieran Trippier, who joined the club from Atletico Madrid in 2022, is behind Tino Livramento in the pecking order for the right-back position.
He has been linked with a move to Everton to reunite with Sean Dyche, who managed him for three years at Burnley.
“He’s trained really well since he came back from the Euros – I think he’s only had two weeks of training, hence the reason why he didn’t start last week,” Howe added.
“I’m not really sure where this has come from. He’s preparing as we all are for the game on Saturday.”
Newcastle blocked Trippier from leaving the club in January following interest from Bayern Munich and Saudi Arabia.
Howe added: “His leadership skills, his ability with the ball, his assist record, everything he brings to the group we definitely want here.”
Newcastle travel to Bournemouth on Sunday for their second Premier League match of the season.