Kieran Tripper could still make a shock exit from Newcastle United, after reports in Turkey say the Magpies' right-back has agreed personal terms with Super Lig club, Eyupspor.
Speculation around a move for Trippier away from St James' Park has been rife this summer, and it's believed it could yet happen, despite the transfer window in the UK closing last Friday.
Like many other European clubs, the Turkish transfer window is open for nearly two weeks, so any outgoing deal for the 33-year-old remains possible.
According to Turkish journalist, Resat Can Ozbudak, Istanbul-based side Eyupspor – who are currently managed by the former Atletico Madrid and Barcelona star, Arda Turan – has already agreed terms with the player.
The report does not indicate whether any move would be a permanent sale or a loan, only that Trippier is currently negotiating his current contract with Newcastle.
Posting on X, journalist Ozbudak wrote: 'Kieran Trippier has reached an agreement with Eyupspor. The football player is trying to get his annual income from Newcastle. Eyupspor is waiting for these talks.
It's believed Trippier has wanted to leave Newcastle since finishing international duty with England at the Euros, and his wantaway stance has only intensified since the new Premier League season started in August.
The England star was told by Magpies head coach, Eddie Howe, that he would be sidelined for 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 fulfil that duty.
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 had been exploring a move but it's understood it was of no interest to Trippier. Atalanta and Galatasaray had also shown an interest.
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.
Former Atletico and Barcelona midfielder manages Istanbul-based Super Lig club, Eyupspor
Turan was appointed as manager of Eyupspor in April 2023, when the Istanbul club were playing in the Turkish first division.
The former Galatasaray captain, and popular Atletico and Barcelona midfielder, steered the team to Super Lig promotion in the 2023-2024 season, clinching the division title in the process.