Newcastle United are edging closer to making a second new addition in the space of a few days with Tino Livramento the next new face Eddie Howe wants through the door.
The Southampton right-back has been on Newcastle’s shopping list for some time now and in a week of progress the ex-Chelsea player’s talks have progressed in the right direction.
The issue for Livramento has been the fee with Chelsea wanting a sell on percentage. Howe was optimistic he would follow through the door after Harvey Barnes’ move from Leicester City.
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Southampton boss Russell Martin has also expressed his desire to keep the highly-rated defender at St Mary's this season. After playing Livramento in central midfield earlier this month, the manager said: "It’s just about his [Livramento's] understanding of where he needs to be on the pitch for us and why.
"He won’t do it in every single game, there will be variants and different details. I think he is getting used to it though and I think he enjoys how much of the ball he gets, he will create a lot for us from there.
"He will still be able to get on the outside and do what he has done best, he is a really exciting player to work with, a real talent and I’m enjoying working with him. Hopefully, it will stay that way.”
Such an addition would give Newcastle some serious options at right-back with Kieran Trippier first choice at the moment. The England Under-21 star would offer cover and competition ahead of the Champions League.
But the deal would mean Javier Manquillo will be allowed to go once Livramento comes in. Manquillo has featured in pre-season but nobody would stand in his way if the right offer comes in.
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