Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe is tightlipped on talk of a deal for Atletico Madrid fullback Kieran Trippier.

Howe is staying silent on reports and suggestions that Trippier to St James' Park is a " done deal" in January.

A move to Manchester United for the England right-back did not materialise in the summer and ChronicleLive has learned from sources in Spain his preferred destination remains Old Trafford, says Chronicle Live.

Manchester United had gone as far as offering a relocation package for Trippier and his family but Atletico Madrid blocked the deal last summer.

Howe stated he would not comment on "individual players" when pressed today but did add: "There may be one or two players that can help the squad, but I don't think that has to be our main focus.

"Our main focus has to be getting more out of the players that are already here."

When asked about his future, Trippier had said: "I came here to try to achieve great things and I'd won the league.

"I would love to play in the Premier League again."