Wolverhampton Wanderers commence talks with Kieran Trippier as Newcastle United skipper approaches free agency | OneFootball

Wolverhampton Wanderers have opened talks with Newcastle United captain Kieran Trippier as the relegated club look to strengthen ahead of life in the Championship.

Head coach Rob Edwards is understood to be very keen on securing 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 Stadium since relegation was confirmed. Edwards has publicly acknowledged that Wolves must recruit more leaders this summer.

Trippier would address that concern emphatically, 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, helping the Magpies qualify for two Champions League campaigns and playing the full 90 minutes in their Carabao 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—a pitch Edwards will be making to prospective signings as he aims to assemble a squad capable of an immediate return to the top flight.

For the ‘magnificent’ Trippier, the decision will come down to ambition and whether Wolves can offer a project worthy of stepping down a division.

Edwards wants him; the talks have begun, but whether that will be enough remains to be seen.