In a bid to strengthen their defensive line, Manchester City have made a renewed attempt to secure the services of Newcastle United full-back Tino Livramento, reportedly prepared to offer upwards of £50 million for the promising defender.
Livramento, who dazzled as one of the Premier League’s standout full-backs last season, displayed versatility by covering for the injured Lewis Hall on the left flank. His impressive performances were instrumental in Newcastle’s Carabao Cup triumph – their first major silverware since 1955 – as they edged past Liverpool with a 2-1 victory in the final. Additionally, the 22-year-old started in five matches as England clinched the Under-21 European Championship this past summer.
His exceptional form hasn’t gone unnoticed, as he earned his maiden senior cap for England under interim manager Lee Carsley. Livramento’s contributions to the Magpies have not only attracted attention but have made him a prime transfer target for the reigning Premier League champions.
City, who had a bustling transfer window with an eye on the Club World Cup, have thus far only bolstered their squad with Norwegian prodigy Sverre Nypan following the acquisition of Tijjani Reijnders in June. Having spent around £126 million already, they are yet to reinforce their right-back position. Following the departure of Kyle Walker to Burnley and signs of waning confidence in Rico Lewis, Guardiola is keen to address this gap. Last season saw Matheus Nunes being deployed as a makeshift right-back, though his adaptation to this role isn’t seen as a long-term solution.
In early July, there were murmurs of Newcastle being willing to entertain an offer from City for the ex-Southampton youngster. However, the Tyneside club now seem intent on fending off interest by presenting Livramento with a lucrative contract extension to elevate him among their best-paid players – a tactic previously employed to retain Liverpool target Alexander Isak.
The most recent developments suggest City have reignited their efforts to land Livramento, placing him atop their transfer wishlist with a firm willingness to exceed £50 million. Yet, Newcastle are standing firm in their resolve to retain the England international, reportedly offering him a contract that would make him one of their top earners.
Should City’s pursuit of Livramento fail, they’ve identified Juventus duo Andrea Cambiaso and Nicolo Savona as alternatives. Ironically, Newcastle share an interest in Savona, reflecting a potential transfer tussle between the two Premier League sides.
City were also presented with the option to sign Denzel Dumfries earlier in the summer’s transfer window, but discussions did not progress to a formal bid, despite his near £20 million release clause which has since expired.
Adding another layer to City’s summer transfer activity, it has emerged that Manuel Akanji has been granted permission to explore a potential switch to Turkish club Fenerbahce.
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