Eddie Howe wants to ‘build Newcastle team’ around one player in particular
Eddie Howe wants Tino Livramento to be a key player at Newcastle for the long-term amid his uncertain future at St James’ Park.
That is according to ex-Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, amid Livramento’s stalling contract negotiations at Newcastle.
Man City could move for Livramento in January, with Pep Guardiola having to use midfielder Matheus Nunes at right-back this season.
Livramento is currently on the sidelines until the new year after picking up a knee injury during Newcastle’s victory over Fulham in the Carabao Cup.
Tino Livramento future ‘depends on what Man City are offering’
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – thinks Newcastle are facing a similar situation to that of Alexander Isak in the summer transfer window.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness believes Howe wants to keep Livramento at the club.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “Well, I think they’re going to try [to keep Livramento] and I think Livramento has stalled on his contract negotiations.
“So what Newcastle are finding themselves in is similar to the Isak situation where you’ve got a player holding out, and they’re going to have to take that into account and either resolve it or get it done quickly.
“Now, it depends on what Man City are offering in terms of money. I know that Eddie Howe rates Livramento very highly. He would like to almost build a team around him. And he’s the right age for them to do that.”
Eddie Howe also facing uncertain future
Livramento’s future at Newcastle could also depend on whether Howe can keep his job on Tyneside following their draw against Chelsea.
The pressure on Howe is increasing at Newcastle, with the Toon lying in the bottom half of the table and six points off the top four.
Newcastle have suffered from inconsistent form this season, with Howe winning just four of his last 10 matches in all competitions.