Chelsea are used to battling the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United, Real and Barcelona for the biggest names on the planet.
Not Newcastle United.
The Premier League and European elites now have another player in the market to contend with.
Thanks to the Saudi-Arabian takeover of St James’ Park, the Magpies can swoop for the shiny objects usually saved for their English rivals.
Despite Newcastle’s perilous position in the league, the pull of a tidy pay package may be too hard to ignore for some stars.
This, combined with the lure of competing in the most competitive division in the world, must be a major incentive to join the Toon Army.
A prospect that is currently starting Kieran Trippier in the face.
Madrid man on the move?
According to The Athletic, Eddie Howie is keen on being reunited with the England international, having worked together during their days at Burnley.
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The defender left British shores in 2019 to sign for Atletico Madrid, but has been tipped for a return pretty much ever since.
Manchester United were originally destined to tease Trippier back to the region he grew up in, yet Newcastle have emerged as one of the prime contenders for his signature.
Chelsea in need of reinforcements
Looking around Chelsea’s current dressing room, it might be a good idea to try and hijack Howe’s transfer objectives.
It is very likely Thomas Tuchel’s employers will make at least one signing in January, with their efforts directed mainly at the defensive department.
Ben Chilwell’s season-ending injury and the potential long-term absence of Reece James has left the Blues very short on full-backs.
Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta are the only real recognised senior wing-backs in the squad.
Replying upon a 31-year-old and a 32-year-old to compete with the ferocious fixture schedule is inhumane.
So why not throw another 31-year-old into the mix to offer support to his fellow OAPs?
Why Trippier?
Trippier could add extra experience and strength in depth to Chelsea’s rear-guard, not to mention providing cover at either wing-back.
Also, his set-piece delivery is of the highest order.
“His quality on the ball is outstanding,” said England manager Gareth Southgate ahead of the 2018 World Cup.
Despite being a former Tottenham Hotspur man, Trippier does have a closer connection to Stamford Bridge than some might think.
He described Chelsea hero Diego Costa as ‘the funniest player’ he’s ever played, a relationship built whilst the pair featured for Madrid.
Putting the Spurs section aside, Tripper would be a good solution to Tuchel’s present troubles, even if just until the end of the campaign.