da realbet： Kieran Trippier insists Harry Kane did not try and “tap” him up for a transfer to Bayern Munich, but he does admit to “banter texts” being exchanged.

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Magpies defender linked with January moveIn contact with former Spurs team-mateRemains committed to St James' Park causeWHAT HAPPENED?

After seeing fellow former Tottenham stars Kane and Eric Dier head to the Allianz Arena, Trippier generated plenty of speculation himself heading towards the January window. He was said to have been targeted by Bundesliga giants, with his vast experience being sought by Thomas Tuchel.

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No deal was done, with Trippier happy to remain on the books of Newcastle, and the 33-year-old says he was as shocked as anybody to learn that he was on Bayern’s recruitment radar. He was contacted by England team-mate Kane when that news emerged, but claims there was never much chance of him leaving St James’ Park.

WHAT TRIPPIER SAID

Trippier has told of finding himself at the centre of a surprising transfer saga: “It's actually crazy, to be honest, because I was in New York and I was woken up at 5am their time saying, 'Bayern Munich want to sign you', so I was like, 'This is a bit random'. I never thought at 33 years old that Bayern Munich would want to sign me, so it was more of a shock to me than anybody. Then I just got on the phone to the manager straight away and to be honest the manager knows the commitment I've got for the club. I never once tried to force a move out of the club. I'm here now and the owners know the commitment I have shown to the club.

“I am here now, the owners know the commitment I showed to the club. I speak to Harry all the time. Harry was texting me, of course, but it just wasn't the right thing for me. But I take it as a compliment that a club like Bayern Munich wanted to sign me. He wasn't pushing, he was just texting 'Is it true?, just little things like that, really, just telling me it's warmer than Newcastle and having a bit of banter. But no, Harry's a professional, he wouldn't try and tap me up, as we say. There was nothing to say, really.”

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Trippier is tied to a contract at Newcastle through to the summer of 2025. He is currently focused on helping the Magpies climb the Premier League table, as they sit 10th at present, while also taking aim at major silverware in the FA Cup.