Newcastle chief Paul Mitchell 'earmarks £51m star' to replace Kieran Trippier

sporting director Paul Mitchell has reportedly marked out a big-money star to replace this summer. The Magpies could be left light at right-back if Trippier is allowed to depart without a replacement being brought in, and senior figures at St. James' Park seemingly have a name in mind.

Trippier started the season behind Tino Livramento in 's pecking order. And he has only enjoyed a run of starts in recent weeks due to an injury picked up by left-back Lewis Hall, which has forced Livramento to switch flanks and Trippier to step in. But rumours persist around the 34-year-old taking on a new challenge in the summer, when he will have only 12 months left on his contract.

Before the start of the current campaign, the likes of Everton and Galatasaray were heavily linked with Trippier, who was said to be keen on finding a way out of the north-east. The former England international will surely have no shortage of suitors when the transfer window reopens.

According to , Jon Aramburu is one of the players Newcastle are looking at with a view to filling the spot which could soon become vacant. The 22-year-old has impressed in his second season at Real Sociedad, where he has become a regular fixture.

Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid are also reportedly showing interest in the Venezuelan star, whose contract includes a hefty release clause.

Adding to Aramburu's allure is the fact he can play in a variety of defensive positions - a trait managers value when injury issues strike. His versatility also reduces the chances of Newcastle spending big money on a player destined to collect dust on the bench if he is unable to displace Livramento.

The Magpies have managed their money carefully to stay on the right side of PSR in recent transfer windows. A top-five finish and a return to the Champions League would therefore be a major boost.

There is also the prospect of cashing in on star striker Alexander Isak, who could command up to £150m, although Howe is set to try and keep hold of the Swede for at least another season.

Newcastle qualified for the UEFA Conference League by winning the Carabao Cup last month. But football finance expert Kieran Maguire has pointed out that Champions League revenue is a completely different ball game.

"They can budget for an extra £40-50m, minimum," he told "It's night and day between the two competitions and it is so much more lucrative for Newcastle than last time because the format has been expanded."