Could Tino Livramento be involved for Newcastle United during this weekend’s Sela Cup?
Newcastle United remain hopeful that they can push through the Tino Livramento deal in time for the defender to play some part in this weekend’s Sela Cup.
The deal, worth more than £50million, is yet to be totally formalised, however NewcastleWorld understands hopes are high the player could get a St James’ Park bow in the Magpies’ weekend double-header.
Newcastle take on defeated UEFA Conference League finalists Fiorentina on Saturday afternoon, before hosting Villarreal at Sunday teatime.
And while the deal for the 20-year-old is yet to be fully confirmed, all that remains in the medical, which could well be completed in the next 24 hours, and the official announcement, with terms and the transfer itself already agreed.
Barring any late hitches, of which none are foreseen, the least that is expected is that the England youth international will be present for one of the two matches, on an action-packed weekend of football at St James’ Park.
Tino seen as an Ashworth signing
The signing of Livramento represents the fourth major bit of business done by United this summer – and this one had Dan Ashworth’s fingerprints all over it.
Newcastle have previously signed Yankuba Minteh, who was immediately loaned out to fellow Champions League side Feyenoord, Sandro Tonali and Harvey Barnes.
Ashworth is thought to be a huge fan of Livramento, having tried, and failed, to previously sign the player for Brighton & Hove Albion. The Newcastle sporting director is also thought to have closely monitored the former Chelsea player’s progress through the England youth team ranks, of which he has been capped at every level bar under-20.
Why Livramento and not a left-back?
Fan reaction to the news of Livramento’s imminent arrival has been met with some questions, expecially given the prominent first-team role of skipper Kieran Trippier, who plays in the same position as the soon-to-be new boy.
However, it is thought Livramento is seen as the long-term successor to Trippier at United, with the veteran set to turn 33 this year. It is also believed Livramento and Trippier could play in the same team together, if required to by head coach Eddie Howe, with Trippier often used by England boss Gareth Southgate as a left-back, depending on the challenge. Howe is thought to open to that idea, also.
It also cannot be ruled out that Livramento could be used, if needed, in a more advanced role, with the player’s strong running and speed key attributes for a wide player.
The Magpies, according to reports, will now turn their attentions to strengthening the rest of their backline, with a central defender next on the list for Howe and the club’s transfer department.
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