Newcastle United have met the buyout clause of Atletico Madrid fullback Kieran Trippier.
Atletico boss Diego Simeone confirmed the Toon have triggered his release clause, believed to be £31million.
He said: "Trippier now has to decide if he wants to leave or not. We'll move after his decision."
The 31-year-old would join on a permanent basis, but should Newcastle drop into the second tier, 'both sides are looking to protect themselves'.
Trippier - who played in the Prem previously for Burnley and Tottenham - may not be willing to play Championship football should the Magpies fail to stay up and a relegation release clause could be inserted into his contract.
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