Report: Atletico Madrid match asking price with offer for Tottenham star

Italian newspaper Gazzetta Dello Sport have claimed that Atletico Madrid have matched Tottenham Hotspur’s asking price for defender Kieran Trippier.

The 28-year-old has been linked with a move away from the club in recent months, with Napoli also being reportedly interested in landing the England international.

Trippier has been excellent in recent seasons under Mauricio Pochettino, and starred at the 2018 World Cup – scoring a free-kick in the semi-final against Croatia. However, this season he has somewhat deteriorated.

His lack of effectiveness going forward compared to recent seasons has been frustrating for Spurs fans, as has a number of mistakes – including one against Chelsea in the Premier League.

The report claims Napoli were interested in Trippier, but that Atletico have stolen a march on Carlo Ancelotti’s side by tabling an offer worth £22million – plus around £2million per year, over the next four years.

(Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images)

It means Atletico have matched Tottenham’s asking price of £30million for Trippier.

TBR’s view

Selling Trippier is a big move from Spurs. The England defender has been a constant part of Spurs’ side under Pochettino, helping them become an established top-four side and reach the Champions League final.

But his recent form could be a sign that he is not going to return to his best form. Signed for just £3.5million (Telegraph) in the summer of 2015 from Burnley, a total fee of £30million is an enormous profit.

Perhaps, it is time to sell Trippier.

(Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)