'Man City accelerate Tino Livramento raid after transfer mission'

Man City are preparing to step up their interest in signing Newcastle United star Tino Livramento in the coming weeks.

That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that scouts were watching the 22-year-old at the Under-21 Euros.

Pep Guardiola's side are planning their next steps after identifying the England international as their top target to replace Kyle Walker at right-back.

This comes after Football Insider exclusively revealed in February that Man City will prioritise signing a right-back as they prepare for Walker to leave.

Brown told Football Insider in March that Newcastle are bracing to receive offers for Livramento and work has already begun on identifying replacements.

However, the Magpies remain determined to keep hold of their best players beyond the end of this season and Livramento is not expected to push for a move away.

Newcastle stance revealed as Man City eye Tino Livramento

Football Insider revealed in February that Newcastle are not planning to sell Livramento, but could be forced to accept offers if their financial situation calls for it.

Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted Newcastle will be reluctant to see him leave but City could now push for a deal.

"Man City have been looking at Tino Livramento," he told Football Insider.

"Scouts were watching him at the Under-21s Euros where he was very impressive.

"Now they'll go back and consider what it might take to bring him in.

"They want to replace Kyle Walker and a new right-back seems to be the next position on their list.

"City see Livramento as the ideal replacement, and believe he would be a significant improvement on what they've got at the moment.

"From Newcastle's point of view, they don't want to lose any of their key players this summer, they're planning to add to their squad with new players.

"They've found that a bit difficult so far and missed out on one or two players.

"But that makes it all the more important that they keep hold of the likes of Livramento.

"They'll be playing in the Champions League next season, and I can't see the player pushing for a move.

"So it will depend on what City are willing to pay and if they can convince Newcastle to sell."

James McAtee makes exit decision at the Etihad

While City continue to eye potential improvements to Guardiola's squad, they are also keen to shift a number of fringe players from the squad.

Brown told Football Insider on 1 July that James McAtee has decided to move to Germany and is prepared to snub interest from the likes of West Ham.

The likes of Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen have been keeping tabs on his progress and are now prepared to make moves.

Meanwhile, Brown told Football Insider that McAtee will not be a Man City player at the start of next season and is not in Guardiola’s plans for the future.

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