Eddie Howe has finally broken his silence over Kieran Trippier’s future after it emerged the Englishman wants to leave Newcastle.

Mail Sport reported on Thursday that the right-back is open to a new challenge after spending the past two and a half seasons with the Magpies.

The development comes after Newcastle appointed midfielder Bruno Guimaraes as team captain, disappointing Trippier.

However, it was previously revealed that Eddie Howe told the defender that he considers him an essential part of his team.

Furthermore, Newcastle’s head coach confirmed during Friday’s press conference that he admires Trippier’s skills and is surprised by the rumours surrounding the defender.

Eddie Howe has broken his silence over Kieran Trippier’s potential departure from St James Park

The 33-year-old defender is reportedly exploring the possibility of a move as he is ready for a new challenge

“It’s business as usual. Tripps has trained really well this week. I’ve been surprised by a lot of the stories that have come out. A valuable member of the team,” Howe said.

“His professionalism is first class. He has trained really well since he came back from the European Championships. He is still appreciated by all of us. He has just trained as normal and he has been very good.”

Howe added: ‘I don’t really know where it comes from. He’s preparing for the game on Sunday just like the rest of us.’

The 33-year-old returned to training with the squad just 10 days before the opening Premier League match against Southampton, where he was not used as a substitute.

However, he decided to play 45 minutes in Monday’s under-21s match against Sunderland, in the presence of Howe, with whom he is said to have a very good relationship.

Howe said he is unsure where the news of Trippier’s departure from Newcastle came from

The development follows the decision to make Bruno Guimaraes Newcastle’s new captain

Despite having rejected previous offers from Bayern Munich in January, the defender’s future at St James Park remains uncertain.

Newcastle’s manager has not yet confirmed the player’s desire to leave, but he has praised his qualities: ‘His leadership qualities, his ball skills, his assists, everything he brings to the group we absolutely want here.’

With just a week left in the summer transfer window, Trippier is keen to explore his options despite having two years left on his current contract.

Everton are said to be interested in the defender, but the Englishman is said to have rejected such an offer from a team who finished 15th last season.

Another Premier League rival, West Ham, was also considered a possible option, but the player does not want to move to London.

Opportunities also arose abroad: Atalanta and Galatasaray showed 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 team’s new captain.

Trippier has worn the captain’s armband since his arrival in 2022, in the absence of Jamaal Lascelles, and is said to have been hurt by the decision to no longer carry the responsibility.