Eddie Howe determined to keep Kieran Trippier at Newcastle amid Galatasaray interest – with Turkish transfer window open until next week

Eddie Howe says no part of him wants to lose Kieran Trippier and he is hopeful the defender will remain at the club this season.

Turkish side Galatasaray have an interest in the 34-year-old and, with their transfer window not closing until February 11, there remains a chance of a renewed approach.

It is thought Newcastle warded off enquiries from Galatasaray last weekend, and Howe is adamant he is going nowhere.

‘No part of us wanted to lose Kieran (in January),’ said Howe.

‘He is unique, there is no-one can do what he can do – set-play delivery, passing ability and his overall leadership in unique.

‘The old school leadership where you’re talking and communicating with everybody, thinking about the whole team rather than just yourself, it is almost a bit of a dying art now.

Galatasaray have shown interest in signing Trippier before the Turkish transfer window closes 

‘He is someone we definitely see hopefully staying and having a big impact in the second half of the season.’

Trippier made just his eighth start of the season during Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final victory over Arsenal and was outstanding.

‘Kieran showcased all his skills in that game,’ said Howe. ‘His experience was vital. He’s a real calming influence on the team, but also a big voice.

‘He’s had a difficult season, and not so much on the pitch. He’s had a couple of fitness issues that just halted his progress.

‘To then play and perform in high-level games is a real skill and is not easy to do. He has been able to do that consistently for us.

‘He came in against Arsenal and I thought he was magnificent. Tino Livramento has had a really good season and obviously Emil Krafth can play at right back, so there is real competition for places. We love the players we have. But Kieran is unique.

‘Physically now, for six weeks, he has looked really good. That will be key to how he plays in the second half of the season.’

Meanwhile, Howe says that Callum Wilson could yet have a future at St James’ Park beyond the end of this season, when his contract expires.

Trippier played the full 90 minutes as Newcastle beat Arsenal 2-0 on Wednesday evening

The striker, 32, is yet to start a game this season but returned from a two-month absence against Arsenal, and Howe said: ‘I’d never write Callum Wilson off. If he can stay fit, he’s an outstanding centre-forward.

‘He’s got the experience that we would need in that position, the know-how of how we play, the pace, the strength, a goalscorer.

‘We wouldn’t have been able to recruit anyone close to his level, I don’t believe, who would have been ready to play in this window.

‘The key thing is trying to keep him fit. That’s what Callum wants, that’s what we want and fingers crossed we can make it happen.’