Newcastle United are reportedly set to make an improved offer for Southampton defender Valentino Livramento.
Newcastle United are set to ramp up their pursuit of Valentino Livramento after seeing a £15 million bid turned down by Southampton. That is according to a report from Football Insider, which notes that Newcastle remain in talks over a potential deal and are plotting to increase their original offer by £10 million as they look to seal the deal with the Championship club.
The Magpies are keen to add another full-back to their squad in the summer transfer window. And it appears that Eddie Howe’s side are determined to sign Livramento in what has arguably been a slow start to the window for Newcastle following the blockbuster Sandro Tonali transfer, largely down to Financial Fair Play constraints.
However, the rumoured sale of Allan Saint-Maximin is expected to unlock Newcastle’s ability to spend more in this summer transfer window, accelerating several moves that have hit a roadblock over the line. Apparently, the deal for Harvey Barnes is edging closer, and he is close to sealing a move to Newcastle.
Livramento is another who has been heavily linked with a move to Tyneside in recent weeks. The highly-rated England Under-21 star has made a big impression on the South Coast since joining the Saints in a £5 million deal from Chelsea two years ago.
He made 32 appearances in all competitions during his first season at St. Mary’s and showed he is a player with huge potential, adapting seamlessly to the top flight in his first season of senior football. Big things were expected of the 20-year-old last season.
But a ruptured cruciate ligament hindered his progress as he was limited to just two substitute appearances against Brighton & Hove Albion and Liverpool in the final week of the campaign. Southampton are preparing for their first season back in the Championship after being relegated from the Premier League, and Livramento would be a huge asset for the south coast outfit next season.
Saints boss Russell Martin will be desperate to keep hold of him. But a Premier League return and the opportunity to play Champions League football with the Magpies could be too good to pass up for the player.
After Kieran Trippier’s amazing performances last season, it is difficult to see Livramento becoming an instant starter at St. James’ Park. But he would be an excellent addition for the Magpies in the long run and would be the perfect long-term successor to the England international.
As things stand, Newcastle are believed to be ready to go as high as £25 million to acquire Livramento’s services. But the two clubs still appear some distance apart in their valuation of the player, with negotiations continuing behind the scenes.
