A foreign club are "weighing up an approach" for an "incredibly strong" Newcastle United player this summer, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.
Shearer bemoans "nightmare" summer at Newcastle
The Magpies have had a summer to forget, with the Alexander Isak saga looming large over them, and many transfer targets moving to other clubs instead.
It has been a period that has sapped the life out of Newcastle supporters, with club legend Alan Shearer admitting it has been a "nightmare" in his column for BBC Sport.
"So far, Newcastle's pre-season has been a nightmare. There is no other way of describing it. They have had a disastrous transfer window, missing out on every one of their top targets they went for, and on top of that they have got Alexander Isak's situation hanging over them as they get ready for the opening weekend.
Newcastle United's Alexander Isak celebrates scoring their first goal
"One way or another they have to resolve it, but that won't be easy. Isak clearly wants to leave St James' Park and join Liverpool, but he cannot be sold if they don't get anyone in to replace him.It's not just one new striker Newcastle need, either. Callum Wilson moved on earlier in the summer so the reality is that if they don't get two centre-forwards in, Isak does not go anywhere."
While much focus is on keeping hold of Isak this summer, it now looks as though another Newcastle player is the subject of strong interest from another club.
"Incredibly strong" Newcastle ace wanted by Monaco
According to Downie on X, Monaco are "weighing up an approach" for Newcastle right-back Kieran Trippier, with the Ligue 1 side "very keen" on signing him this summer. The Magpies want him to stay, though, seeing him as a "key player" for Howe.
At 34, Trippier isn't quite the force of old, but he still has plenty to offer Newcastle, which is why losing him to Monaco this summer would be a blow.
The Englishman can continue to be a good backup option to Tino Livramento, battling him for minutes, and Eddie Howe loves him as a player, hailing his character.
"Tripps is an incredibly strong character,. As I've said many times he's a transformative signing. Someone that's taken the group onto a totally different level. He's been the heartbeat of that. So when he's given us so much now it's our turn to support him and look after him the other way and that's what we'll do."
Hopefully, the £120,000-a-week Trippier turns down any potential advances from Monaco and sees his future at Newcastle.