Eddie Howe has finally broken his silence on Kieran Trippier's future after it was revealed that the Englishman is looking for an exit from Newcastle.
On Thursday, Mail Sport reported that the right back is open to a new challenge after spending the last two-and-a-half seasons at the Magpies.
The development comes after Newcastle made midfielder Bruno Guimaraes their new team captain, leaving Trippier disappointed by the decision.
However, it was previously disclosed that Eddie Howe told the defender that he sees him as an essential part of his squad.
Moreover, during Friday's press conference, Newcastle's head coach confirmed that he admires Trippier's skills and is surprised by the rumours surrounding the defender.
Eddie Howe has broken his silence on Kieran Trippier's potential departure from St James Park
The 33-year-old defender is reportedly exploring option for a move as he is set for a new challenge
'The situation is business as usual. Tripps has trained really well this week. I'm surprised by a lot of the stories that have come out. A valuable member of the squad,' Howe said.
'His professionalism has been first class. He's trained really well since he came back from the Euros. He continues to be really valued by all of us. He's just trained as normal and he's been very good.'
Howe added: 'I'm not really sure where this has come from. He's preparing as we all are for the game on Sunday.'
The 33-year-old rejoined squad training just 10 days before the Premier League opening game against Southampton, where he was an unused substitute.
However, he decided to play 45 minutes of the Under 21s fixture against Sunderland on Monday, with Howe in attendance, with whom he is reported to maintain a very good relationship.
Howe said he is not sure where the news about Trippier's Newcastle exit are coming from
The development comes after the decision to make Bruno Guimaraes Newcastle's new captain
Although he had rejected previous offers from Bayern Munich in January, the defender's future at St James Park remains uncertain.
His Newcastle's manager hasn't confirmed the player's desire to leave but has praised his abilities: 'His leadership skills, his ability with the ball, his assist record, everything he brings to the group we definitely want here.'
With only a week left in the summer transfer window, Trippier is set to explore his options despite having two years left on his current contract.
Everton was reportedly interested in the defender, but the Englishman is believed to have refused such an offer from a side that took 15th place in the last campaign.
Another Premier League rival, West Ham, also emerged as a potential option, but the player does not want to move to London.
Opportunities from abroad also arose, as Atalanta and Galatasaray have shown interest.
The defender has received offers from West Ham and Everton, as well as options from abroad such as Atalanta and Galatasaray
The turning point came when Eddie Howe announced that Brazilian Bruno Guimaraes would become the new team captain.
Trippier had previously worn the armband for the majority of occasions since arriving in 2022, in the absence of Jamaal Lascelles and is said to be hurt by the decision to have this responsibility no longer.