NO CHANCE OF GERMAN TRIPP
Flattered Kieran not swayed by Kane and Co’s advances after admitting he’s up for Tyne fight
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KIERAN TRIPPIER has admitted it was a “compliment” that Bayern Munich tried to sign him – but says “it’s over” and he wants to make FA Cup history with Newcastle.
The England defender says Newcastle players will not be distracted by transfer talk after the club conceded it has to sell to buy, with Miguel Almiron now the most likely to be cashed in this week.
Asked if
England skipper and close mate Harry Kane had tapped him up for a move to
Munich, Trippier laughed: “No!
Everyone knows I am close with H. I was away on my break (in New York). I just had a nice time with my wife.”
Trippier was the subject of three bids from the German giants, the last £13m, which was not enough to tempt the Toon.
And after helping Newcastle into the FA Cup fifth round for only the second time in 18 years, he said: “It is always a compliment when a team like Bayern come in for you.
“It is one of those things. Things happen in the background. As always, I’d had loads of conversations with the manager and been very positive.
“Nothing changed. I am committed to Newcastle. I want to play for the club, create history and win a trophy and help the club grow.
“It is a transfer window. It has not put me off or anything like that. I am Newcastle. I am committed and that will never change.”
Newcastle gritted out a win against Fulham with goals from
Sean Longstaff and Dan Burn, only their third victory in 11 games after a difficult twomonth slump.
It was done against a background of Eddie Howe wanting to strengthen his squad but also having to fund it with a sale. Injured £20m striker Callum Wilson and defender Jamaal Lascelles are also assets who have caught rivals’ attention.
Trippier said: “It is the transfer window and loads of rumours go around. It didn’t put us off.
“Since I arrived I have always talked about the togetherness in the group. The players are committed and want to give 100 per cent for the club. We have a great squad here.
“Whatever happens in the background we give everything for the club and the manager.
“I personally have not been thinking of that and my teammates have not either.”
Trippier has fronted up after describing his December as “difficult”. He made a high-profile error at Chelsea and missed in a penalty shoot-out.
“December was difficult for me personally as well, but it is a new year and we needed to start this year strong,” he added.
“I am happy to say that I’ve been going through some bad moments. It is normal, we’re human. It’s not like we do it on purpose, it just happens. I’ve been through this situation in my career before.
“Hopefully now is a turning point where I can do better, which I know I can. I recognise when I’m in the bad moments and I’m happy to admit that. Hopefully a new year and a new chapter.
“In those times I take advice. I’m 33 but I have a lot of talks with the manager, team-mates about things we can do better personally. I watch games back. Win, lose or draw I know where I can do better.”
FULHAM (4-3-3): Rodak 6, Tete 6, Diop 6 (Tosin 71), Ream 5, Robinson 5, Reed 6 (Palhinha 71), Lukic 6, Pereira 6 (Cairney 65, 5), Wilson 7 (Willian 45, 5), Muniz 7, Decordova-reid 6 (Jimenez 71). Subs: Benda, Castagne, Francois, Vinicius. NEWCASTLE (4-3-3): Dubravka 7, Trippier 7 (Krafth 86), Schar 7 Booked, Botman 7, Burn 8, Longstaff 7, Guimaraes 6, Miley 7, Murphy 6 (Livramento 75), Isak 7, Gordon 6 (Ritchie 90). Subs: Karius, Dummett, Hall, Murphy, Parkinson, Hernes.