Newcastle United have just received a very welcome boost in their bid to sign Tino Livramento from Southampton.
It initially looked like this was going to be a very straightforward deal for Newcastle to wrap up, with the Magpies very confident about signing the defender at the end of June.
But as we head into August, Livramento is still not part of Eddie Howe’s squad.
While he is reportedly desperate to sign for Newcastle, Dan Ashworth has had multiple bids for the 20-year-old rejected by Southampton. They are looking to get as much money as possible for Livramento, as they are slightly hindered by a huge sell-on clause that Chelsea included when they sold the defender two years ago.
That has delayed Newcastle’s pursuit of Livramento, but a new report from TalkSPORT hints that some positive movement could be on the horizon.
Southampton identify Tino Livramento replacement
According to TalkSPORT, Southampton are now the favourites to sign Max Aarons from Norwich City.
The 23-year-old is a right-back, and would be brought in as a replacement for Livramento.
If Southampton can complete a deal for Aarons then Newcastle will feel much more confident about bringing Livramento to St James’ Park. While money will still be the decisive factor, you have to imagine that the Saints will be more receptive to letting him go.
Aarons would be a direct replacement, and would arrive full of confidence after winning the Under-21 European Championship with England alongside Toon hero Anthony Gordon.
That would then open up the door for Livramento to play alongside Gordon and co in a Newcastle shirt, which is what he wants to do.
After such a lengthy pursuit, it would be a shame if Newcastle missed out on Livramento. He would be really smart signing for the present and the future, and the latest news about Aarons is certainly a step in the right direction.
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