‘Straight away’: Eddie Howe says he was desperate to sign ‘world class’ player as soon as he got the Newcastle United job

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Eddie Howe has spoken to The Athletic, talking about his start to life at Newcastle United.

The former Bournemouth manager lifted the Magpies away from relegation danger in his first few months on Tyneside.

He’s now overseen his first summer transfer window, and made some smart additions to the squad.

Nick Pope, Sven Botman and Matt Targett have all improved his defence.

While record signing Alexander Isak looks like a serious talent up front.

However, Eddie Howe has revealed how desperate he was to sign England full-back Kieran Trippier back in January.

“We spent a couple of days with Tripps and it got us talking and talking about his future.” Howe said.

“Coming back to England was something on his mind. As soon as we got the job, it was straight away, ‘Right, Kieran, let’s speak to him and see’.

“The thing I loved about his attitude was something very similar to Bruno (Guimaraes); no relegation or escape clauses, all-in, desperate to come, wanted to pull on the black and white shirt.

“That was so refreshing. Getting the right characters in like that, people who just wanted to fight and had no way out, is so powerful.

“Character is a huge part of what we do in recruitment and coming into a relegation battle, it felt like a non-negotiable.”

Howe desperate to sign Trippier

There are plenty of reasons why Howe would be so desperate to sign Trippier when he arrived at Newcastle.

The ‘world class’ defender has already demonstrated he’s a leader on and off the pitch.

Trippier has been handed the armband this season when Jamaal Lascelles has been unavailable.

He’s also an expert set-piece taker, scoring a majestic free-kick against Manchester City.

Trippier has already impressed Newcastle legend Alan Shearer with his performances this season.

When Trippier fractured his metatarsal last season and missed nearly three months of action, Newcastle fans may have feared the worst.

But the 31-year-old has bounced back exceptionally this season.

Trippier has already demonstrated why Howe was so desperate to sign him once he took the Newcastle job.