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Until recently, Newcastle United were further ahead in talks to buy Southampton player Kyle Walker-Peters than his teammate Tino Livramento.
Newcastle United were said to be “further down the line” in discussions with Southampton’s versatile defender Kyle Walker-Peters than with colleague Tino Livramento.
According to transfer insider Dean Jones (via GiveMeSport), the Magpies’ interest in Livramento surprised him, but the Toon might yet make a move for the 26-year-old England international.
With Champions League football coming to St James’ Park next season, the Magpies will need to recruit more quality throughout the squad. Newcastle may struggle due to the demanding match schedule that comes with playing European football, therefore having a larger squad would be critical.
As a result, the Magpies have already signed Sandro Tonali from AC Milan, and they are allegedly close to signing Harvey Barnes. Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is also set to bring in another full-back this summer in order to enhance his backline options.
After The Telegraph reported that Newcastle were interested in signing Southampton right-back Tino Livramento, he has emerged as the top target on Howe’s wishlist.
In what initially looked to be a bargain deal, the Magpies have seen several bids rising up to £21 million rejected by the Saints, who haven’t budged on their £30 million valuation despite the 20-year-old spending much of last term sidelined through a nasty ACL injury. The deal is further complicated by Chelsea’s hefty variable sell-on clause and interest in taking back the player by activating the £38 million buy-back option.
Financial Fair Play restrictions mean Newcastle aren’t able to spend as freely as they would wish this summer, and with Livramento’s move seemingly stalling, they could well move forward with their interest in Walker-Peters.
Although Livramento certainly has a higher ceiling than Walker-Peters due to being six years younger, a move for the two-capped England international makes more sense for Newcastle and is a possible smart purchase if they push to sign him.
Walker-Peters is a fantastic technical player with excellent game balance. He has Premier League experience and can be relied on to grasp what is desired while not in possession.
He might also be very beneficial to the squad, as he could be the ideal guy to give cover and competition for both Dan Burn and Kieran Trippier, thanks to his ability to operate on either flank.
Furthermore, his ability to dribble past his man like a pacy winger means he may fill in on the right wing for Almiron if necessary. He will soon reach his prime at 26 years old, but that doesn’t mean he can’t progress further with coaching and clear tactical instructions from Eddie Howe.