Toon land Tino to bolster defensive options

Newcastle have landed highly-rated full-back Tino Livramento from Southampton on a five-year deal as they continue to strengthen their squad.

Livramento, 20, spent the majority of the 2022-23 Premier League campaign sidelined with a cruciate ligament rupture but will return to the English top flight with the Magpies.

The Chelsea academy graduate was contracted to the relegated Saints until 2026 but the South Coast club have decided to cash in on their prized talent.

On the his move to St James' Park, Livramento said: "I'm really excited to have signed for Newcastle United and I'm looking forward to playing in front of the fans.

"I was here for the games over the weekend — even though they were friendlies — there were so many fans and they were still so loud so I can't wait to see what it feels like to play in front of them in a Premier League or Champions League game.

"The way the manager plays football is really attractive and I feel like it suits me as a player. 

"And with how well the team did last season, the trajectory that we're on now, I'm just looking forward to being a part of that.

"And to be able to learn from Kieran Trippier is another big thing for me and hopefully he teaches me how to become a better player and a better full-back."

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe added: "Tino is a very talented young player with an exciting future ahead of him so we are delighted to sign him.

"At 20, he already has lots of attributes that I admire but he also has the potential and drive to really grow with this team. 

"I'm looking forward to working with him and to seeing him develop in a Newcastle shirt."

Livramento becomes Howe's third recruit of the summer following the arrivals of English attacker Harvey Barnes from Leicester and Italian playmaker Sandro Tonali from AC Milan.