Newcastle interested in double transfer swoop for Kieran Trippier and Axel Witsel as Eddie Howe prepares for January

EDDIE HOWE is reportedly keen on bringing Kieran Trippier back to the Premier League in a bid to help him kickstart the St. James' Park revolution.

Newcastle are also said to want out-of-contract Borussia Dortmund midfielder Axel Witsel to add some much needed steel in midfield.

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England international Trippier was linked with Manchester United in the summer but a move failed to materialise.

And now according to the the Magpies are eyeing a swoop for the 31-year-old Atletico Madrid full-back in January.

New boss Eddie Howe is targeting players with plenty of character to help his side beat the drop.

He believes Trippier, who has been capped 35 times by the Three Lions, has what it takes to help steer his side to safety.

Discussions are reportedly already underway between Toon chiefs and Trippier's representatives.

Meanwhile 120-cap Belgium international Witsel is out-of-contract in the summer and free to begin negotiations regarding a pre-contract deal from January 1.

German outlet report the player himself is 'open' to a move at the end of what will be four years in the Bundesliga.

Although the Magpies could make their move sooner with a cut-price January transfer not being 'ruled out' as Howe targets immediate reinforcements.

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Newcastle will face competition for his signature though, with Serie A giants Juventus also interested.

But the Magpies are willing to increase Witsel's £115,000-a-week wages to £160,000 - a figure Juve could struggle to pay.

And with no discussions between Witsel, 32, and Dortmund regarding a new deal currently taking place, a move away seems inevitable.

Trippier meanwhile is settled in Spain but has admitted he would 'love' to return to the Premier League before retiring.

He has won LaLiga and captained the Three Lions since swapping Tottenham for Atletico Madrid in 2019.

Earlier this month Spanish football expert Guillem Balague told Radio 5Live: “I hear from Atletico Madrid that Newcastle are really interested in getting Trippier and they have started negotiations with his people.

"I am not sure if they will get him or not.”

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