Newcastle United are going to be in the market for a new right-back this summer, regardless of what happens with Tino Livramento.
Livramento is being widely tipped to leave Newcastle in the summer, with Manchester City reportedly keen on the England star who is yet to sign a new deal at St James’ Park.
Even if Eddie Howe is able to convince the 23-year-old to stay, he is expected to lose both Emil Krafth and Kieran Trippier when their contracts expire, which means there will need to be recruitment for the right-back role.
Newcastle have been linked with Ivan Fresneda again, along with Arsenal, but Sports Boom believes that the Magpies also have an eye on a certain available defender currently with the Gunners.
England rebel Ben White hit the headlines last week when he returned to the England squad after walking out on the Three Lions under Gareth Southgate.
It seems it isn’t just Thomas Tuchel who has been impressed with the 28-year-old, as Newcastle could look to him to replace Trippier next season, if the latest reports are to believed.
White would bring a bit of experience to the back line while still going some way to keeping the average age down should both Trippier (35) and Krafth (31) leave in the summer. However, we aren’t buying this latest transfer link for a few reasons.
Should Newcastle pursue Ben White, we’d still expect the club to move for a younger alternative as back-up, unless they manage to persuade Livramento to stay.
However, we’re not sure where he fits. Is his playing style similar to Livramento? No. Do we think he’d pass character checks? We’re not so sure. Has he had injury issues recently? Yes. Would he settle for a squad role as a Trippier replacement? No, and we wouldn’t be spending the money required on a back-up option.
White is also on a rumoured £150,000-a-week at Arsenal, which we’re never going to pay, especially if he’s not going to be a first-choice player.
This one just isn’t adding up for us, screaming of the media putting two and two together and making five, all because of White’s availability and Newcastle’s need for right-backs this summer.