Newcastle United defender Tino Livramento has been linked continuously with a move to Manchester City. Pictured is Man City boss Pep Guardiola.placeholder image
Newcastle United defender Tino Livramento has been linked continuously with a move to Manchester City. Pictured is Man City boss Pep Guardiola. | Getty via Canva
Newcastle United defender Tino Livramento was expected to be a summer transfer target for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City.
Manchester City are understood to have cooled their interest in Newcastle United and England defender Tino Livramento - and have turned their attention to other targets.
NewcastleWorld has learned that although City remain impressed by the player, who Newcastle signed for around £35million from Southampton, they are, at present, unlikely to ramp up interest in the right back this summer.
Tino Livramento set for extended stay at NUFC?
City have long been linked with a move for the Croydon-born 23-year-old. Reports going back more than 12 months credit Guardiola with an interest in the player. And while City hierarchy remain fans of Livramento, they are said to be pursuing other options in a bid to strengthen down the right, where midfielder Matheus Nunes has excelled this campaign.
Arsenal and former club Chelsea have kept tabs on Livramento’s situation in recent times, however, are also not thought to be prioritising a move for the player, whose future at St James’ Park is uncertain beyond the end of the season.
While the Magpies are keen not to lose any of their first-team regulars, it is thought a fee close to double what was paid initially for Livramento might have got them around the table.
Injuries have severely hampered Livramento’s progress this season. He’s played his part in just 13 of the Magpies’ Premier League games since the summer.
Livramento situation impacts Newcastle United transfer plans
As things stand, Newcastle are set to lose Kieran Trippier at the end of the season when his contract expires. While it cannot be ruled out, it would be more of a surprise if he is given new terms, rather than be allowed to depart.
That would leave the Magpies short on the right and should Livramento stay, as is now expected, Eddie Howe and his transfer team will alter their search to back-up options to fill the Trippier void, rather than sign a starting right back.
The above scenario explains why Newcastle tentatively looked into a January deal for Club Brugge’s Joaquin Seys, who can play left and right back. That deal would have provided cover for Lewis Hall and Livramento, rather than replace either in the starting XI.
Eddie Howe discusses the NUFC future of Kieran Trippier
“There's been no development on his contract, but I'd never rule anything out with Kieran. There'll be discussions for another day with Kieran and ourselves. Very open and we'll have dialogue as the season progresses.
“He's been an unbelievable player, professional for this football club. You should never underestimate what he's done and the difference he's made since signing from Atletico. For me it was a transformative signing.
“I love seeing him play for the team and giving what he gave us against Tottenham. If he can manage to keep that level between now and the end of the season, he'll be a massive help to us.”
Eddie Howe on Tino Livramento injury problems this season
Howe said: “A lot of frustration for Tino because I think the injuries have come out of the blue, really. There's been no reason necessarily for them.
“He's very willing, very athletic. He puts a lot of effort and energy into each performance. I'm desperately disappointed for him and for us because he's such an important player. He's got the versatility that at this moment we really need and the standout athletic and technical qualities that, again, help the team.
“So, such a big year for him, not just with us but with maybe international aspirations, this injury will become as a blow. But I think he's got the maturity and the mental strength to handle it and then to make sure he comes back in good shape.”
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