Wolverhampton Wanderers have reached an agreement to bring in Kieran Trippier, the former Newcastle United right-back, on a free transfer as they seek an immediate return to the Premier League.

The 35-year-old has agreed to a two-year contract with the newly-relegated Championship club, with an option to extend for a third year. The deal will be formally confirmed once Trippier completes a medical, scheduled for when he returns from a family holiday next week.

Trippier becomes a free agent after spending four years at St James' Park, having made 160 appearances for the Magpies across all competitions. Wolves outmanoeuvred a number of continental clubs who had also been chasing his signature.

Edwards backs Trippier as a leader

Wolves manager Rob Edwards believes Trippier's experience and character make him the ideal figure to guide the club back to the top flight at the first attempt. Edwards sees him as a leader in the dressing room as much as on the pitch.

A decorated chapter at Newcastle

Trippier joined Newcastle in January 2022 from Atletico Madrid, arriving at a club battling relegation from the Premier League. He went on to play a central role in one of English football's most remarkable turnarounds.

Former Newcastle manager Eddie Howe paid tribute to the defender after his departure was confirmed in early April, highlighting the significance of Trippier's initial decision to join the club.