Newcastle United transfer rumours: Toon reportedly set to battle Everton for striker, Spurs ‘open’ to selling £20m Toon target

Barnes – who made 27 Premier League appearances for Newcastle between 1997 and 1998 – believes Trippier’s expected arrival on Tyneside would be a welcome one given The Magpies’ current defensive issues.

“Kieran would be a good signing because defensively Newcastle need to tighten up,” Barnes said. “They’re creative going forward but defensively, they need a leader.”

Eddie Howe’s side currently sit 19th in the table and have conceded 42 goals in 19 games so far this season, the joint most in the top flight.

But they are understood to be closing in on a move for Trippier, who missed Atletico Madrid training on Tuesday following a reported fee of £12million plus add-ons. Various sources suggest that a deal could be completed within the coming days.

While Barnes doesn’t expect Trippier to ‘set the world alight’ on Tyneside, he feels the 35 time England international will prove to be a very good piece of business for his former club.

“From a playing perspective, he’s not going to come in and set the world alight, but from an organisational and leadership perspective, he’d be a very good signing,” Barnes told Bonus Code Bets.

“He’s 31, probably looking to come back to England, and he’s had a good time in Spain. He’s a good character and a good leader.”

Trippier boasts a strong footballing CV in recent seasons with a La Liga title and runners-up medals in the Champions League and European Championship to his name since 2019.