Eddie Howe has said he is ‘surprised’ by stories suggesting Kieran Trippier wants to leave Newcastle before the deadline.
Trippier has been linked with an exit from Newcastle having been left out of the side to face Southampton on the opening weekend, with Everton understood to have opened initial talks over a potential loan deal.
The 33-year-old was also overlooked for the captaincy in favour of Bruno Guimaraes for 2024/25, having worn the armband for long periods of last season.
However, Howe said the England international remains a ‘valuable member of the squad’ and dismissed the suggestion that Trippier is set to leave St James’ Park.
“The situation is business as usual. Tripps has trained really well this week,” Howe said at his pre-match press conference ahead of facing Bournemouth in the Premier League this weekend.
“I’m surprised by a lot of the stories that have come out. A valuable member of the squad. His professionalism has been first class. 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.
“He continues to be really valued by all of us. He’s just trained as normal and he’s been very good. I’m not really sure where this has come from. He’s preparing as we all are for the game on Sunday.
“I think you want as many players as fit and as available to select from. You want a quality group of players, Kieran certainly fits in to that, he had an outstanding first season with us last year. Slightly disrupted by injury at the end of the campaign. His leadership skills, his ability with the ball, his assist record, everything he brings to the group we definitely want here.”
