Choosy Eddie Howe is adamant the next phase of his Newcastle rejuvenation project will only include players who meet his lofty signing threshold.
The Toon boss previously touched upon his desire to add quality not quantity after Champions League football was secured against Leicester City. And now he has expanded on that desire and reckons players in the mould of England international Kieran Trippier must be sought, if they are to thrive both in the Premier League and the world's richest club competition next season.
It comes amid growing interest in Arsenal defender Tierney and ongoing links with Leicester City playmaker James Maddison. And he admits the Trippier effect is what he is aiming to replicate once the window opens. Howe said: "I think that type of profile fitted for us at that moment. Those players now are harder to find, but that's our job to try to do it."
And Howe expanded on why Trippier worked so well as he cited his international pedigree and previous trophy success – something Tierney also boasts with multiple medals from his time with Celtic and an FA Cup triumph under Mikel Arteta. He added: "When you look back, Kieran was the perfect signing. We felt that at the time. We felt he would be a huge lift for us in our relegation battle, to sign someone who'd just won a domestic cup competition, someone with the experience – he's an international – we felt he'd be the perfect fit.
"Obviously, he got injured straight away near enough and that was a huge blow. But then this year, he's played the majority of the season and he's been incredible for us."
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