'He didn't say no' – £43m-rated Newcastle United target's transfer stance revealed

Despite reports that Newcastle United are not expected to make any groundbreaking signings this month, links continue to emerge as we pass the halfway mark. The Magpies have also attracted interest themselves, and Kieran Trippier is the latest being monitored by other clubs.

It's no secret by now that Bayern Munich are keen on the 33-year-old and are exploring potential options to bring him in following the additions of Harry Kane and Eric Dier. Trippier is a key part of Eddie Howe's team but Newcastle do have their eye on someone from the Bayern camp as well.

Joshua Kimmich has appeared on Newcastle's radar and BILD recently reported that the Magpies have asked about his availability this month. Other reports have suggested a swap deal involving Trippier could also be an option, but Kimmich himself has shed some light on his current situation. The midfielder, who has also impressed as a centre-back and right-back in the past, is into the final 18 months of his contract in Germany.

Reporter and Bundesliga insider Christian Falk recently spoke with Kimmich and delivered some extra insight on his heavily-speculated future.

"I’m not sure if Newcastle United would be Joshua Kimmich’s first option for a potential move away from Munich! They probably won’t play Champions League football next year, which would be a no-go as far as the player is concerned. I think Newcastle also have to sell a few players to get anyone in," Falk wrote for Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing on Caught Offside.

"I talked to Kimmich and his opinion, at the moment, is that a January transfer is not an option, but he didn’t say 'no' to a summer move.

"But, there will be talks with Bayern. I talked with Christoph Freund [Bayern’s sporting director] and they are saying he’s an important player and they will talk to him because Bayern doesn’t want him to leave the club in 2025 as a free agent. So, in the view of Bayern Munich, there has to be a decision in the summer — a new contract or selling him."

Kimmich also 'would have no problem' staying with the Bundesliga side for 'one year or more', so the speculation around his future is only going to ramp up as he nears the end of his contract.

Falk further revealed that Bayern would be looking for a figure in the region of €50 million (£43m) in order to part ways with Kimmich. The 28-year-old has been with the Bavarians since 2015, so his potential move is naturally one of the hottest topics on the transfer rumour mill. Other Premier League sides have also been linked with the midfielder, with both Liverpool and Manchester United 'prepared to battle' for him in the summer.