KIERAN TRIPPER has revealed how close he was to a transfer to Manchester United and why the move collapsed.
The right-back eventually completed a switch to Newcastle in January as he helped dig Eddie Howe’s side out of a relegation battle.
Former Burnley and Tottenham defender Kieran Trippier has made his mark at Newcastle
But speculation had linked him with a move to Old Trafford to make up a more attacking alternative to Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Some were taken by surprise when Trippier chose to leave behind Atletico Madrid, swerve United and join struggling Newcastle.
But he confirmed to the Mirror that United specifically did look at him – and explained why the move did not materialise.
He said: “Yes they were [interested]. There were a couple of clubs. Me and the manager had a chat at the start of the season and agreed if an opportunity came up I might go.
“At the start of the season I had a couple of family problems. To be fair they didn’t want to come back. It didn’t happen, so I carried on.
“I am not one to throw my toys out of the pram when it didn’t happen.
“I wanted to come back to the north. So there is (Manchester) City and Liverpool. As a player you have to be realistic as well,’ he said.
“The Newcastle deal happened really quickly. The manager took over, who I knew well and it was a good decision. This place is a football city and people are obsessed with their club.”
Trippier’s arrival coincided with Newcastle’s uptick in form as Howe and the other new signings helped the club to safety.
After their Saudi takeover, the Magpies will have far grander ambitions than fighting relegation this season.
And they will be fuelled with even more talent joining the club, most notably England keeper Nick Pope and Dutch defender Sven Botman.
