Wolverhampton Wanderers commence talks with Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier | OneFootball

Wolverhampton Wanderers have opened talks with Newcastle United captain Kieran Trippier.

Manager Rob Edwards is keen on signing the 35-year-old, who will depart St James’ Park when his contract expires at the end of June.

The interest comes as little surprise, given the soul-searching at Molineux since relegation was confirmed. Edwards has publicly acknowledged that Wolves must recruit more leaders this summer.

Trippier would address that concern, arriving as one of the most experienced right-backs of his generation.

The England international joined Newcastle from Atletico Madrid in January 2022 and departs having made over 150 appearances.

He helped the Magpies qualify for two Champions League campaigns and played the full 90 minutes in their League Cup final victory over Liverpool last season.

However, the path to Wolverhampton is far from straightforward. Trippier has several options as a free agent, and the prospect of Championship football may not be the most attractive among them.

Wolves chairman Nathan Shi has insisted the club are targeting automatic promotion from the Championship next season, with parachute payments set to help them remain competitive.

Edwards will make that pitch to prospective signings as he aims to assemble a squad capable of making an immediate return to the top flight.

For the ‘magnificent‘ Trippier, the decision will come down to ambition and whether Wolves can convince him to step down a division.