South coast struggle commences for Burnley right back Kieran Trippier?
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Premier League newcomers Bournemouth, even-money with Coral to stay up next season, are set for a tug-of-war with south coast rivals Southampton over relegated Burnley’s right back Kieran Tripper this summer, according to reports.
Cherries coach Eddie Howe has worked with the 24-year-old defender before when he was in charge at Turf Moor, but Saints counterpart Ronald Koeman could also be chasing Trippier as a replacement for rumoured Manchester United target Nathaniel Clyne.
Making four top-flight assists at the struggling Clarets this term under Sean Dyche has helped to raise Manchester City academy product Trippier’s profile.
An indicator he could cut it at Premier League level, Trippier may thus be sold following Burnley’s relegation having made almost 200 appearances for the Lancashire outfit. Check out his goals and assists from their promotion season:
Tipped to make the step up after several seasons of consistent performance in the Championship, Trippier’s previous relationship with Howe could give Bournemouth what seems an unlikely edge over Southampton.
The Cherries will be looking at bringing in players to provide competition, especially in defensive areas, with current the Bournemouth back four holding no Premier League experience between them.
Current right back Simon Francis, 30, was chosen by Coral’s football experts in our Championship Team of the Season, along with centre half Steve Cook, winger Matt Ritchie and striker Callum Wilson.
Koeman, meanwhile, could face a similar situation this summer to the one he inherited from St Mary’s predecessor Mauricio Pochettino, with top Premier League clubs poaching players from Saints.
Calum Chambers was among those cashed in on by Southampton, plus fellow full back Luke Shaw, but having sold heavily they also showed a willingness to recruit names. Koeman splashed a reported £10m on winter window deadline day to land Ryan Bertrand permanently.
No firm interest is yet to materialise over Trippier, but it’s fair to assume the out of contract Danny Ings won’t be the only player to leave Burnley, 4/1 shots to be promoted straight back into the Premier League, this summer.
