EDDIE Howe insists it's "business as usual" with Kieran Trippier and expressed his "surprise" at suggestions the England international is pushing for a move before the transfer deadline.

Howe outlined his desire to keep Trippier at St James' Park but admitted he can't guarantee that will be the case.

Howe also played down his decision to take the captain's armband off Trippier, with Bruno Guimaraes installed as the new skipper and insisted the defender's role and influence in the dressing room "hasn't changed".

Trippier was an unused substitute in last week's opening weekend win over Southampton but Howe said that was because the former Tottenham man was playing catch-up with his fitness after his delayed return to the Newcastle camp after the European Championship in the summer.

Several clubs are said to be monitoring Trippier's situation - with Everton, Galatasaray and Atalanta among those linked - but Howe has been taken baffled by some of the speculation.

He said: "The situation is business as usual. Tripps has trained really well this week. I'm surprised at a lot of the stories that have come out.

"He's a valuable member of the squad. His professionalism has been first class. He's trained really well since he's come back from the Euros. He's only had two weeks training, hence the decision to not start him at the weekend and Tino has had a very good pre-season. That's the situation.

"He continues to be really valued by all of us."

Asked whether Trippier has expressed a desire to leave or stay, Howe said: "Neither, he hasn't had to. He's trained as normal and he's been very good.

"I'm not really sure where this has come from. He's preparing as normal for the game on Saturday."

Trippier remains a key part of Howe's plans and the head coach wants him to stay.

"I hope so," he said when asked whether he is confident Trippier will still be a Newcastle player beyond the deadline.

"I can never answer with absolute certainty because it's football and the window is always unpredictable. But my wish is he stays here and continues to play for us."

Trippier has lost the team captaincy to Bruno but Howe insists that hasn't caused any problems behind the scenes.

He said: "A lot has been made of it. It's not that big a deal internally.

"Jamaal is not going to be fit for a long period of time so he's been promoted to club captain so he's going to oversee the captain and is an incredible leader behind the scenes.

"Kieran and Dan (Burn) in the leadership group continue to lead and Bruno has been promoted. It's a healthy group, there's more people in it. The players are on the pitch and have to lead.

"Kieran has played a huge role in changing the narrative around the team. When he first came in we were in a very difficult position and it's easy to forget that.

"He took a big risk to leave a huge football club and was having a successful period with them to come to a team battling relegation. Our relationship with him was pivotal and he galvanised the squad from the first day. His performances on the pitch also spoke volumes."

Newcastle, meanwhile, continue to push for a breakthrough in their pursuit of Marc Guehi but Howe had no updates on the situation.

He said: "There's no news. I am a step removed. It's always difficult for me to give you definitive answers but I'm aware there's still work going on behind the scenes. Training and preparation for Bournemouth has been as normal."