Former Chelsea man prefers Newcastle United move after talks with Premier League rivals

Southampton right-back Tino Livramento reportedly favours a move to Newcastle United, despite interest from former club Chelsea.

Chelsea sold the England under-21s international to the Saints for just £5million two years ago but have already held talks over re-signing him. The Blues, who inserted a hefty sell-on clause in Livaramento’s contract, have a buyback option of £38million.

The Stamford Bridge club would be prepared to loan the 20-year-old back to Southampton for their 2023-24 Championship promotion push, however that has little appeal to the player, who would prefer a switch to St James’ Park, as per the Daily Mail, if given the option.

Negotiations between Newcastle and the Championship club have stalled after struggling to reach a compromise over a fee. As first reported by the Daily Telegraph, the Saints want more than £30m for Livramento, whereas United have only bid as high as £21m.

Livramento is also open to staying at St Mary’s as a sign of loyalty after they supported him through his ACL injury. He spent 12 months on the sidelines before returning in May to feature in remaining Premier League fixtures against Brighton and Hove Albion and Liverpool.

Prior to his injury, the full-back had made 32 appearances for Southampton, which included scoring his first-ever senior goal in a 2-2 draw at home against Burnley.

Signing a right-back is not currently viewed as a priority position by Magpies’ head coach Eddie Howe with Emil Krafth and Harrison Ashby back-up options to England international Kieran Trippier.

Magpies head coach Eddie Howe is keen to sign another central midfielder alongside the capture of Sandro Tonali from AC Milan, while recruiting a left-back, centre-back and versatile forward has been discussed.