‘Accept terms’ - Newcastle United close in on fourth summer signing after breakthrough

Newcastle United are reportedly closing in on a move for Southampton full-back Tino Livramento.

The imminent £35million sale of popular winger Allan Saint-Maximin to Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli has provided Eddie Howe with the extra funds to strengthen his squad.

Howe revealed after Tuesday night’s 2-1 friendly win at Rangers that the Magpies needed to “trade” in order to stay within Financial Fair Play rules, and Saint-Maximin is the player sacrificed.

“I wouldn’t say it’s forced [selling ASM] but Financial Fair Play forces that to a degree,” the United head coach said.

“We could make a stance not to sell Maxi but we’d put ourselves in a position where we wouldn’t be able to sell Sandro or any other player so our hands would have been tied.

“We knew this summer the likelihood is that we would have to trade a player and [Saint-Maximin] leaving is what looks like will happen but until it does we don’t know.”

Although both players possess different attributes, Barnes will be a direct replacement for Saint-Maximin on the left wing.

The one-time England international was on Tyneside on Thursday to undergo his medical and finalise his £38million switch from Leicester City. He also met with sporting Dan Ashworth at the club’s Benton training centre.

And according to reports, Livramento could be next through the door. Jacob Steinburg claims Southampton are close to selling the 20-year-old for £30m, while the Evening Standard’s Nizaar Kinsella adds the “player is ready to accept terms” with a fee expected to be agreed soon.

Chelsea inserted a buyback clause when they sold Livramento for just £4m two years ago but they are unlikely to stop Newcastle’s pursuit.

Livramento made 32 appearances for the Saints before an ACL injury forced him on the sidelines for 12 months. He is not long back fit after returning for the remaining two games of last season against Brighton and Hove Albion and Liverpool.

The right-back is very highly rated by Ashworth, who believes the player is a top England international in the making. With Kieran Trippier turning 34 next year, Livramento is viewed as a long-term solution.

He could become Newcastle’s fourth summer signing behind Yankuba Minteh, Sandro Tonali and Barnes.