Rival manager makes ‘really exciting’ claim over £25m Newcastle United transfer target

Southampton manager Russell Martin has revealed he is keen to continue working with Tino Livramento amid interest from Newcastle United.

The Magpies are keen to add a full-back to their squad doing the summer transfer window and have been heavily linked with a move for the highly-rated England Under-21 star, who made a big impression on the South Coast since joining the Saints in a £5million deal from Chelsea two years ago.

After making 32 appearances in all competitions during his first year at St Mary’s, big things were expected of Livramento last season but a ruptured cruciate ligament limited him to just two substitute appearances against Brighton and Hove Albion and Liverpool in the final week of the campaign.

Southampton are currently preparing for their first season back in the Championship after they suffered relegation from the top flight. Their pre-season schedule continued at the weekend when new manager Russell Martin oversaw a 1-1 draw with Goztepe, a game that saw Livramento feature in midfield in a role similar to the one Kieran Trippier played during Newcastle’s 3-2 win at Gateshead on Saturday.

The Magpies retain an interest in 20-year-old and there have been reports suggesting negotiations over a deal are ongoing with the two clubs some distance apart in their valuation of the player.

Speaking after the draw with the Turkish club, Martin told the Daily Echo: “It’s just about his (Livramento’s) understanding of where he needs to be on the pitch for us and why. He won’t do it in every single game, there will be variants and different details.

“I think he is getting used to it though and I think he enjoys how much of the ball he gets, he will create a lot for us from there. He will still be able to get on the outside and do what he has done best, he is a really exciting player to work with, a real talent and I’m enjoying working with him. Hopefully, it will stay that way.”