Newcastle REJECT an approach from Bayern Munich for Kieran Trippier

Newcastle have today rejected an initial approach from Bayern Munich for Kieran Trippier - but we understand the player is open to the move.

Sources in Germany say the Bavarian club have been given encouragement that the England star would be keen on the switch if the Magpies were to an accept an offer.

However, we have been told that Newcastle do not want to sell Trippier this month, unless the money on the table was too good to turn down. That would have to be a sizeable sum beyond the market value of a 33-year-old with 18 months to run on his contract.

Newcastle have no desire to let Trippier go and Eddie Howe sees him as central to his plans in the second half of the season. But there is clearly a chance that a move could develop in the coming days.

His signing, for £12million from Atletico Madrid two years ago, has proved transformational for the club.

Speaking earlier this month, Tuchel - who wanted to sign Kyle Walker from Man City in the summer - confirmed his side are hoping to strengthen in Trippier's position.

'We are looking for a right-back who is strong in duels,' he said. 'We’ll see if something is possible.

'Nous Mazraoui is at the Africa Cup, but we have also gotten used to Konrad Laimer at right-back, even though it’s not his best position.

'If there’s an opportunity on the market, we’ll take it. Otherwise things will stay this way.'

We are told that talk of Newcastle being interested in Bayern midfielder Joshua Kimmich is not the case.