EDDIE HOWE has revealed his delight at keeping Kieran Trippier - and issued a hands-off warning to Galatasaray.
The veteran full-back, 34, has suffered a difficult campaign both on and off-field amid constant speculation over his future.
Turkish giants Galatasaray are the latest club to test the waters about signing the ex-England star.
And they could still try and make a move before their transfer window closes on February 11.
PSR-conscious Toon chiefs could have been tempted to cash in on Trippier given he only has 18 months remaining on his St James’ Park contract.
Howe, however, could not be happier that he still has Trippier in his squad.
And the ace produced a fine performance, on just his seventh start this season, in the 2-0 win over Arsenal on Wednesday to secure a place in the Carabao Cup Final.
Howe said: “Yeah, no part of us wanted to lose Kieran. He’s had a difficult season and not so much on the pitch.
“He’s had a couple of fitness issues that just halted his progress.
“He then came back into the team and had a really good couple of performances around Christmas time and showed his qualities again having not played a lot of football.
“To then play and perform in high-level games is a real skill and is not easy to do.
“He has been able to do that consistently for us. He then came in against Arsenal and I thought he was magnificent.
“Tino Livramento has had a really good season and obviously Emil Krafth can play at right back, so there is real competition for places.
“We love the players we have. But Kieran is unique, there is no one who can do what he can do.
“Set-play delivery, passing ability and his overall leadership is unique.
“He is someone we definitely see hopefully staying and having a big impact in the second half of the season.”
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