The full-back is back in the team and put in a tidy display against the side who wanted to sign him
Newcastle'S Tino Livramento(Image: PA)View Image
Tino Livramento has broken his silence on his future after strong links with Manchester City.
The full-back is admired by Pep Guardiola and moneybags City but Newcastle United warned off the eight-times Premier League winners last summer. And they are expected to get the same type of message if they come calling again in January with Newcastle eager to build a team around players like Livarmento.
The ex-Chelsea youth though is firmly focused on life at Newcastle and there is hope behind the scenes that he signs a new and improved deal to quash any talk of an exit once and for all.
When asked if he had held talks with new sporting director Ross Wilson, Livramento, speaking to reporters after the win over Man City, told reporters: "That's nothing that I'm in control of. I leave that to my dad, to my agent. For me, I've been out for seven weeks. I've been working really hard to come back and obviously help the team. I'm very happy with how I've played.
"That's my focus, staying where I'm at now. That's always been my focus. Helping the team as much as I can."
Livramento was then asked if he loved life on Tyneside, and with the adrenaline still pumping after the outstanding win over City, the England international said: "Of course, have you not seen it out there?"
The defender's knee injury, suffered in the 2-1 defeat to Arsenal, cost Livramento two months of his season and a place in Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the World Cup qualifiers.
His next aim will be to regain his squad place in the spring internationals, with friendly matches set to be announced by the FA in the build-up to the World Cup.
Livramento does not want to jump the gun and said: "I just need to focus on getting back and playing as much as I can. You only get called up for England if you’re playing well at club level. That’s what I want to do. Play as much as I can in a Newcastle shirt."
The 23-year-old, however, admitted he'd had talks with Tuchel recently and commented: "He spoke to me when I first got injured. Obviously, I've worked a bit with him at Chelsea and we have a good relationship. Also, I spoke a bit with Anthony Barry.
"They're people that keep in touch with me and I really do appreciate that.
"It's an easy thing to not talk to someone when they're out and they're not playing. I think that shows the people that both of them are."
Here at ChronicleLive, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Newcastle United coverage and analysis.
Make sure you don't miss out on the latest NUFC news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.
You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.
Find more about Eddie Howe 'needs more' from Nick Woltemade as he sends brutal demand to Newcastle star
Find more about Eddie Howe delivers updates on Anthony Gordon and Kieran Trippier after absence vs Man City
Find more about Hall truth, Gordon verdict, Trippier doubt: Newcastle United injuries and return dates
Find more about Glaring Match of the Day omission as BBC viewers miss huge Newcastle United moment
Find more about Tino Livramento transfer concern expressed as Newcastle United star still Man City target
Find more about Newcastle United squad revealed vs Man City with keeper decision and Gordon hope
Find more about 'Unbelievably good' Newcastle United transfer verdict after Alexander Isak stance
Find more about Alan Shearer drops brutal Pep Guardiola verdict after Newcastle VAR drama and stormy scenes
And, finally, if you would rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Everything is Black and White podcast. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube.