Livramento prefers to join Newcastle over Chelsea with Southampton on loan holding little appeal

Tino Livramento's preference remains a move to Newcastle after Chelsea showed surprise interest in re-signing him from Southampton.

Newcastle have been in talks over a deal for Livramento and made a number of bids but none that have yet convinced Southampton to do business.

Chelsea’s interest in their academy product has represented a further obstacle to Eddie Howe’s attempts to sign right back Livramento.

Chelsea inserted a buy back option of around £40m in their deal to sell Livramento to Southampton in 2021.

However, it is a switch to St James’s Park that would be favoured by the 20 year-old if a deal to sell him can be agreed.

Livramento left Chelsea for Southampton, in part because he had another young right back in Reece James ahead of him in the pecking order.

Now Chelsea have two having added Malo Gusto, from Lyon and also 20, to their ranks which would only make the competition for first-team football even tougher.

Re-joining Chelsea and heading out on loan is also thought to hold little appeal for Livramento.

Newcastle still have to agree a fee with Southampton in order for Livramento get his move of choice, which they have yet to do despite their highest offer so far being in excess of £20m.

Southampton’s relegation means they will be playing in the Championship in the forthcoming season while his admirers are able to offer him top flight and, in Newcastle’s case, Champions League football.

But he is relaxed about the situation, respecting that he signed a Southampton deal that initially runs until 2025, and has no plans to push for a move.