Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has again reiterated his strong desire to keep Kieran Trippier at the club - with the Turkish transfer window closing in a matter of days [February 11th].

Super Lig giants Galatasaray have a long-held interest in the right-back, 34, and have tested the waters over a possible move both last summer and during the recent winter window. Trippier's lack of Newcastle starts behind Tino Livramento has only added to the lingering doubts over his future on Tyneside.

Howe has fought tooth and nail to keep the 'unique' dressing room leader at St James' Park in recent windows, including 13 months ago when Bayern Munich were keen to swoop for the experienced full-back. Trippier himself has never asked to leave and after a stellar showing in Wednesday's Carabao Cup win over Arsenal finds himself back in contention for the upcoming fixtures.

READ MORE: Alan Shearer's brilliant nine-word text he sent Newcastle United star after Arsenal demolition

READ MORE: 'Difficult' - Sven Botman and Callum Wilson injury update as Newcastle United forced to change

"Yeah, no part of us wanted to lose Kieran," Howe said at Friday morning's press conference. "He’s had a difficult season and not so much on the pitch. He’s had a couple of fitness issues that just halted his progress.

"He then came back into the team and had a really good couple of performances around Christmas time and showed his qualities again having not played a lot of football. To then play and perform in high-level games is a real skill and is not easy to do.

"He has been able to do that consistently for us. He then came in against Arsenal and I thought he was magnificent. Tino Livramento has had a really good season and obviously Emil Krafth can play at right back, so there is real competition for places.

"We love the players we have. But Kieran is unique, there is no-one can do what he can do - set-play delivery, passing ability and his overall leadership in unique. He is someone we definitely see hopefully staying and having a big impact in the second half of the season."

Trippier returned to starting lineup in midweek and dropped a masterclass in leadership as he kept Arsenal's micheavious stars in check. There were flashpoints with both Gabriel and Kai Havertz throughout the 2-0 second leg win, with Trippier standing his ground and defending his team-mates.

It is those immense examples of leadership that have caused Howe to urge the ex-Tottenham star to remain at Newcastle in recent times. With another cup final on the horizon, Trippier's experience and know-how will be key as the Magpies descend on Wembley once again.

"I think Kieran showcased all his skills in that game. I think his experience was vital," Howe added. "He's a real calming influence on the team but also a big voice in the team.

"I think the leadership skills that he possesses are so rare to find these days because that type of leadership, the old school leadership where you're talking and communicating with everybody and thinking about the whole team rather than just yourself, is almost a bit of a dying art now.

"Kieran has that and he has the big game experience in abundance, so I think he used all his skills to help us and I thought he gave a great performance individually as well."