Man Utd refuse to give up on Kieran Trippier transfer but Atletico Madrid play hardball over £34m release clause
MANCHESTER UNITED are not giving up on signing Kieran Trippier – despite Atletico Madrid refusing to budge over the £34million fee.
The England right-back, 30, has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer, but the LaLiga champions will refuse to let him leave for anything less than his release clause.
Trippier, who returned to training this week, reportedly has his ‘heart set on a return to the Premier League’, with United widely reported as his preferred destination.
SunSport reported exclusively that the ex-Tottenham man was in talks to buy England pal Raheem Sterling’s £3m Cheshire mansion in July ahead of a potential return to the North West.
But the Red Devils were reportedly only prepared to pay around £18m for Trippier, and Atletico will expect United to raise their bid significantly if they are serious about signing Trippier.
The Bury-born defender has spent two years in the Spanish capital and made 53 league appearances after signing from Spurs for a fee of £20m plus add-ons.
After playing an instrumental role in winning LaLiga with Atletico last season, the 33-cap England man is ready to move on and would welcome a move to Old Trafford, according to MARCA.
The England international would be open to a move back to the Premier League after two seasons in the Spanish capital.
MARCA
Trippier is ‘highly regarded’ at the Wanda Metropolitano and Atletico would prefer to keep him, but would reluctantly allow him to leave should United meet his £34m release clause.
His departure may also hang upon other dealings in the transfer market though, with Atletico reportedly interested in Roma’s Alessandro Florenzi as a replacement.
The Italian full-back spent last season on loan at PSG and also played a part in his country’s triumph over England in the final at Euro 2020.
Should Atletico secure the services of Florenzi, they would be more prepared to sell Trippier, with back-up right-back Sime Vrsjalko also set to leave the club.
United’s pursuit of Trippier, who they hope will provide competition for Aaron Wan-Bissaka, may depend upon their ability to move other players on, with both Jesse Lingard and Paul Pogba linked with moves away.
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Having already secured the signings of Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane, it is thought that Man United will need to raise funds through player sales before they can further add to their squad.
The Red Devils are also reportedly interested in Saul Niguez, 26, who has been made available for transfer by Atletico boss Diego Simeone and has been linked with possible moves to both Liverpool and Chelsea.
The Spanish midfielder could be available for as little as £40m, with his representatives set to travel to the UK this weekend for talks with the interested Premier League clubs.
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