Newcastle United are hopeful that they can seal a deal to sign Southampton defender Tino Livramento on a permanent transfer this weekend, according to a report from Newcastle World.

The Toon are believed to have agreed a transfer fee with the Saints and have also reached an agreement regarding Livramento’s contract with the player and his agent. As such, all that remains is for the player to pass his medical examination.

The deal to sign Livramento is thought to be more than £30 million – currently, his wage offer is unknown. Additionally, a clause in his contract denotes that Chelsea (his former club) will receive 50% of the transfer fee.

Where will Tino Livramento fit into the Newcastle team?

While Livramento is a natural right-back, the Mags will likely deploy the 20-year-old at left-back after the deal is sealed. Newcastle have plenty of quality at right-back, with players such as captain Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth – meanwhile, their options at left-back are much more scant.

Currently, the Toon can only call upon Paul Dummett and Matt Targett in that position. Last season, Eddie Howe often chose to play Dan Burn at left-back, despite him being a natural centre-half.

Of course, right-footed players have had success at left-back in the Premier League previously – talents such as Joao Cancelo, Cesar Azpilicueta and Denis Irwin all spring to mind.

Of course, Howe may shift Trippier over to the left-hand side instead of Livramento – we will have to wait and see what his decision will be.

Will Livramento be available for the first game of the Premier League season?

Livramento spent much of the 2022/23 season out with a long-term injury – however, he has since recovered and has regained his match fitness.

Of course, the Toon will need to complete the transfer deal before August 12 for him to be available for selection – but as things stand, this should be little more than a formality.

Newcastle will need to be careful with Livramento – his spotty injury record speaks for itself. Hopefully, he can avoid the treatment table as much as possible and put his injury woes behind him at St. James’ Park.