Newcastle ‘preparing for Tino Livramento exit’ after ‘huge’ Man City twist
Newcastle United are putting plans in place in case Tino Livramento leaves the club this summer amid interest from the likes of Man City.
That is according to former Man United and Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 22-year-old could be sold for a “huge” fee this summer.
As a result, work has already begun behind the scenes at St James’ Park to identify potential replacements so that they are not caught short in the market.
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.
However, Football Insider revealed on 28 February that Newcastle could be forced to sell Livramento given their “alarming” financial situation and profit and sustainability concerns.
Meanwhile, Man City are prioritising the signing of a right-back this summer after Kyle Walker left to join AC Milan in January and no longer has a future at the Etihad.
Livramento has emerged as one of their top targets for the position thanks to his impressive displays for Newcastle which has also earned him his first England cap.
Newcastle working to sign new right-back after Tino Livramento latest
Brown told Football Insider last month that Kieran Trippier is likely to leave Newcastle in the summer – adding to their need to identify new right-backs to add to Eddie Howe’s squad.
The former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that PSR is playing a big role in Newcastle’s decision-making in the market.
“Newcastle always have PSR in the back of their minds,” he told Football Insider.
“They’re determined to keep Livramento at the club, as they are with all of their key players, but it might be taken out of their hands.
“Man City are looking for a new right-back and it’s no surprise to see them looking at Livramento because he’s very highly-rated and has played for England.
“Ultimately, if they need to sell before they can buy, he could be moved on for a huge fee.
“At the moment, it’s about identifying a new right-back in case he leaves, so the scouting department has been working on that to find some options.
“Then, Eddie Howe will have a look at those options to decide who he wants.“
Eddie Howe planning to sign James Trafford after scouting mission
On top of the addition of a new right-back, Howe is keen to strengthen in goal amid concerns about the performances of Nick Pope so far this season.
Brown told Football Insider on 27 February that Newcastle want to sign Burnley’s James Trafford after scouts have watched him closely so far this season.
The 22-year-old has impressed in Scott Parker’s side as part of a resolute defensive unit, despite concerns about his command of the penalty area.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Newcastle will accept offers for Pope if they can land his replacement, with work ongoing towards that end behind the scenes.
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