Newcastle United could look to sign someone to provide cover for Kieran Trippier this summer, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.
Trippier has already made a positive impression on Tyneside, but O'Rourke has hinted that there may be slight concerns about his recent injury record.
How did Trippier fare in 2021/22?
The 31-year-old started the campaign at Atletico Madrid after winning La Liga just a few months earlier, and he made 15 top-flight appearances for Diego Simeone's men in the first half of the season, although he did miss a handful of games with a shoulder problem.
He then switched to Newcastle in January, and scored in consecutive games against Everton and Aston Villa as the Magpies started to move up the table.
However, he broke a bone in his foot in the Villa match, which kept him out of action for over two months.
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What has O'Rourke said about Newcastle's transfer plans?
Newcastle strengthened their defence in January by signing Dan Burn, plus they have just secured a permanent deal for Matt Targett.
They have also been heavily linked with Lille defender Sven Botman, with Fabrizio Romano stating that they are pushing to sign the Dutchman, and O'Rourke thinks Newcastle could be keen on adding another right-back to their ranks in the coming months.
He told GIVEMESPORT: “I think potentially a right-back might be brought in as cover for Kieran Trippier, but I think Newcastle are starting to build a competitive squad now. Obviously, we all know they did some good business in January with Dan Burn also coming into that defence, so I think if they could get Botman at the back, Newcastle are definitely making progress and improving the squad.”
Do Newcastle need to sign another right-back?
Trippier having two separate spells on the sidelines last season could be a worry for Newcastle as they will need their best players to stay fit if they want to start pushing up the table next year.
Then again, Emil Krafth did a very solid job when he came into the team, and ensured that Trippier's absence was not felt too heavily.
Indeed, when Trippier returned from injury, Krafth had been playing so well that Eddie Howe did not have to rush the £16.2m-rated England defender back into the team, instead opting to start Krafth against Manchester City and Arsenal.
Of course, if there is money left in the transfer budget towards the end of the window, Howe could potentially look to bring in a right-back as a luxury signing.
However, given how well Krafth played in the final weeks of last season, signing a new right-back should not be a priority at St James' Park.
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