Newcastle now in 'pole position' to land 'one of the best right backs in the world' for £18.5m

Speculation over Kieran Trippier's future persists despite Eddie Howe's determination to keep him at Newcastle United.

It looks like Howe will get his way for now but with the former England man turning 34 in a few days time his time at Newcastle, at least as a top player, is certainly running out.

Newcastle have his successor already in place in the form of Tino Livramento who has even filled his spot in the England setup, but should Trippier leave or even retire, then Eddie Howe will need another top right-back to compete with Tino.

Emil Krafth has been a fantastic stand-in and has always delivered when called upon, but Howe's aim has always been to have two top-class players battling for each position.

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Newcastle could launch a bid for Denzel Dumfries in January

Now, a report from Italy has suggested that Newcastle and Juventus could be set to battle over Netherlands international Denzel Dumfries.

InterLive.it have claimed that Newcastle are in pole position to sign the Inter Milan star as the 28-year-old looks unlikely to sign the new deal that Inter have put on the table.

They also claim that Newcastle could be ready to come in with a €22 million (£18.5 million) offer in January to try and get ahead of Juventus who will wait til next year to make their move.

Denzel Dumfries for under £20m would be an amazing coup

Dumfries has been hailed as 'one of the best right backs in the world' by Jeremie Frimpong (via FCInterNews.it) and has often been on my personal list of transfer targets Newcastle should look at.

Therefore I feel this is a case of me wanting to believe this story rather than actually believing it. Right-back isn't a priority, even if Kieran Trippier does leave. We can still get by with Emil Krafth as back-up for Livramento and, although he's currently out on loan, we still have Harrison Ashby who could still live up to his potential.

That being said, less than £20 million for Denzel Dumfries would be an amazing coup for Newcastle so I really hope there's some truth to this story at least.