Newcastle United were further along in conversations to sign Southampton star Kyle Walker-Peters than his teammate Tino Livramento until recently.
Newcastle United were reportedly “further down the line” in talks to sign Southampton’s versatile defender Kyle Walker-Peters than they were for teammate Tino Livramento.
That’s according to transfer insider Dean Jones (via GiveMeSport), who has admitted that the Magpies’ interest in Livramento caught him off guard, but suggested the Toon could still make a move for the 26-year-old England international.
Speaking to GMS, Jones said: “Yeah, well the Livramento one caught me out because my understanding of it was that actually Walker-Peter’s conversation were further down the line than the Livramento one. So, there’s always the possibility that they come back to that, it’s not off the table by any stretch of the imagination. Like you say, in a way it might be more fitting to where they’re heading.”
With Champions League football coming to St James’ Park next season, adding more quality throughout the squad will be vital for the Magpies. The hectic fixture schedule that comes with playing European football could make it difficult for Newcastle, so a bigger squad will be so important.
As such, the Magpies have already snapped up Sandro Tonali from AC Milan, while they are reportedly closing in on a move for Harvey Barnes. Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is also expected to bring in another full-back this summer as he bids to strengthen his options across the backline.
Southampton right-back Tino Livramento has emerged as the top target on Howe’s shortlist after The Telegraph claimed that Newcastle were pushing to land him.
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 great technical player who has a brilliant balance in his game. He is proven in the Premier League and can be trusted out of possession to understand what is wanted.
From a squad perspective, he could be very valuable, too, as he could be the perfect man to provide cover and competition for both Dan Burn and Kieran Trippier, thanks to his versatility to operate on either flank.
What’s more, his ability to dribble past his marker like a pacy winger means he could also deputise for Almiron on the right wing if needed. At 26 years old, he will soon hit his peak, but that doesn’t mean he couldn’t improve further with coaching and clear tactical instructions from Eddie Howe.
