Ashworth could pull off a Newcastle masterstroke with ‘terrific’ 29-year-old

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Dan Ashworth could be about to prove that he is worth is weight in gold with the deal that Newcastle United are currently working on.

With the Sandro Tonali transfer only awaiting official confirmation, the Magpies have now switched their attention to defensive reinforcements.

Tino Livramento is being linked with a move to St James’ Park, with Newcastle confident that they can agree a deal with Southampton to snap up the impressive 20-year-old.

That is very exciting, as Livramento is a young player with a lot of potential. He proved as much during his debut season with the Saints, but then lost a year of his career due to a horrific ACL injury. But if he can get back to his best, he will prove to be a wonderful long-term addition to Eddie Howe’s squad.

The two clubs are yet to agree a price, with Newcastle looking to pay around £15million. The Saints obviously want more than that, but it looks like Ashworth has an ace up his sleeve at the negotiating table.

Ryan Fraser could leave Newcastle as part of Livramento deal

Multiple reports about Newcastle’s approach for Livramento state that the deal could include Ryan Fraser going the other way.

Southampton were interested in signing the 29-year-old at the start of the year – back when he had not not been banished to the Toon reserves.

He was surplus to requirements then, and that has not changed over the past six months. Ahead of the Carabao Cup final, Fraser was sent train with the Under-21s, with Eddie Howe stating that he only wanted committed players.

The winger has not been seen since – except for a Premier League 2 appearance where Ben Dawson’s young Magpies beat Norwich. Fraser impressed on that day, and Dawson was full of praise for the Scot, describing him as ‘absolutely terrific’.

But that has not led to a reprieve from Howe, who still wants rid of the player he also worked with at Bournemouth.

Now Ashworth could have the perfect solution. Including him in the Livramento deal will be a masterstroke. It gets him out of our club for good, and also helps make the transfer a little bit cheaper. And it should appeal to the Saints too, as they have been linked before and could do with a player of his experience in the Championship.

Ashworth has previously spoke about the importance of player trading. When he first mentioned it he meant in respect of moving important players on at the right time, but now it could see him get rid of an unwanted player to sign someone who could have a really bright future at St James’ Park.

If this comes off it will be absolute genius from the Sporting Director.