Newcastle have reportedly made an official offer to Atletico Madrid to sign full-back Kieran Trippier.

Trippier is one of Magpies manager Eddie Howe’s top targets this month in the club’s bid to avoid relegation from the Premier League this season.

Sportsmail revealed last month the England international is prepared to swap LaLiga for a return to the Premier League, with talks over a deal for Trippier have been ongoing since November.

But now Sky Sports are reporting the prospective deal has moved to the next stage in the form of an official bid from the Magpies to the Spanish champions, who could lose the 31-year-old on a free in the summer.

A move to St James’ Park would represent a third Premier League club for Trippier in his career, having previously played for Tottenham and Burnley, where he worked with Howe.

Sportsmail understands if Newcastle can agree a fee with Atletico, Trippier would be in line to become their top earner on around £150,000-per-week.

Former Tottenham full-back Trippier has been keen on a return to England for some time though Atletico’s £25m valuation was a stumbling block in the summer amid interest from Manchester United.

Sources close to Atletico believe Trippier’s asking price could end up being less than half what they wanted in the summer with his £130,000-per-week contract at the Spanish champions heading into the final six months.

Trippier’s current deal includes a one-year option if he starts 20 games this season, which would impact Atletico’s demands if it was triggered.