There was a new face in attendance as Newcastle United beat Fiorentina in a pre-season friendly at St James’ Park on Saturday.
After what has felt like an age, Southampton defender Tino Livramento now looks like becoming a Newcastle player.
The 20-year-old is now set for a medical with the club as he prepares to join Eddie Howe’s squad, acting as cover and competition in equal measure for Kieran Trippier.
Livramento was even spotted at St James’ Park watching on as his new teammates put the Italian side to the sword in the Sela Cup.
Asked about his attendance, Howe proved typically coy.
Eddie Howe addresses Tino Livramento’s attendance at St James’ Park
With the deal said to be close and the player on Tyneside, it would surely take an almighty collapse for Livramento not to become a Newcastle player.
Still, as ever, Howe would not be drawn on the latest.
Asked about the England U21 international after the game, he said (via Newcastle World): “I’ve been preparing for this game and training with the guys who are playing [Sunday] so I have no update.
“Until anything is signed, as I’ve said many times, I’ll talk as long as you want when they’re our player but until then I won’t.”
Exciting times for Newcastle
Though many may not have thought strengthening at right-back would be a major priority this summer, it is at least promising to see the club bolster from a position of strength.
How long under the Mike Ashley regime were positions just totally ignored? This is reasonably new territory for the club.
Given there is believed to be an acceptance that Trippier cannot play every game this season and considering his importance to the cause, having some quality cover can only be a good thing.
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