As the summer transfer window approaches, Newcastle United are making moves to complete the signing of Southampton right-back Valentino “Tino” Livramento, according to reports.
The 20-year-old Chelsea youth product was one of a number of standout players since his debut for the Saints in 2021. However, he could not participate in the 2022/23 season as the St Mary’s outfit suffered a terrible loss of form leading to their relegation from the Premier League. His debut season for Southampton was enough to convince many and he has been attracting interest from a number of Premier League sides.
Newcastle, who are returning to the UEFA Champions League for the first time in over a decade, are looking to strengthen key areas of the squad. The Magpies also identified Tino Livramento as a good option for the strengthening of their squad and as a squad option for the right side of their defence, currently occupied by Kieran Trippier, 32. The England Three Lions international is nearing the end of his contract and the twilight of his career.
Livramento presents a long-term solution to the problem of replacing Trippier, especially in the new era led by the club’s Saudi owners. The reports indicate that Livramento is valued at £30 million by Southampton but Newcastle want to pay around £15 million to sign the defender. Newcastle’s proposal to sign the defender is a player-plus-cash deal involving Ryan Fraser.
Those talks are still ongoing, however, but reports suggest that the former Chelsea youth product is open to moving to St James’ Park.
Livramento returned from a 13-month spell on the sidelines last April in time to play the Saints’ last two games of the 2022/23 season. Those look to be his last games as he could be saying goodbye to the club after only seven months of action due to his long-term injury.
Southampton could also lose James Ward-Prowse as reports indicate that Newcastle are also interested in the midfielder.
Meanwhile, Newcastle are preparing to announce Sandro Tonali’s signing and AC Milan legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic has reportedly given his opinion on the midfielder’s move to the Premier League. “Is he ready for the Premier League? Yes, I think so,” Ibrahimovic, who played with Tonali at Milan before his retirement at the end of the 2022/23 season said at a commercial event in Milan when asked about the 23-year-old’s move to England.
“Sure, it depends on him. I made him understand the right mentality he must have in order to win, and he won. He grew up a lot with Milan, he has a great responsibility and still has to grow, but in England he will do it, and he will do it well.”
