Kieran Trippier was a key signing in 2022 but his current deal will expire in June
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe celebrates the win over Spurs with Kieran Trippier
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Newcastle United star Kieran Trippier remains on course to leave the club at the end of the season - according to Eddie Howe.
Trippier is out of contract in June and there has been no offer of a new deal or any type of extension clause in his existing arrangement. It means that the last three months of the season could well be Trippier's last efforts in a black and white shirt.
Howe faced tough decisions to release Callum Wilson last season and may face another long goodbye with the ex-England World Cup star.
Trippier was outstanding in the 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur in midweek, but when asked on whether 35-year-old Trippier may stay on after this term, Howe said: "There has been no development on his contract but I would never rule anything out with Kieran.
"Those will be discussions for another day with Kieran and ourselves. We're very open and we will have dialogue as the season progresses."
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Trippier was caught out of position in the 3-2 defeat to Brentford last weekend when Dango Ouattara stormed through to lash home the winner. But he was back to his best against Spurs as he fed Anthony Elanga a constant flow of passes down the right flank.
Paying tribute to Trippier's efforts, Howe said: "It's been a really difficult period for him because I think the full-back positions are physically one of the hardest that you will have in a team.
"The ground they are expected to cover. Kieran isn't 20-years-old anymore so he is having to deal with the position and the games at a time in his career where it is probably going to be the hardest for him to do that.
"I think what you have with Kieran is an unbelievable leader. His appetite and hunger for success is undiminished and I thought his game against Tottenham was the strongest he has had.
"He looked really, really good athletically. He uses the ball so well, but I think his leadership with the back four was outstanding."
United will hope to take that type of solidity to Villa Park on FA Cup fourth round weekend. He reflected: "I think it is the best we have looked defensively as a group for some games. I was very, very pleased with him. He is such an important player for us. When he plays well and is in a really good place, I think the team benefits so much from that.
"There is a big expectation on him to try and deliver, but at the moment he is our only fit recognised full-back, and that is tough. It's tough for him to take that burden physically, but I think he is managing it really well."
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