Soccer Football - Premier League - Southampton v Norwich City - St Mary's Stadium, Southampton, Britain - February 25, 2022 Southampton's Tino Livramento in action with Norwich City's Milot Rashica REUTERS/Tony Obrien EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club /league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.
Southampton are confident that they will be able to keep in-demand right-back Tino Livramento beyond the summer, journalist Tom Barclay has claimed.
The Lowdown: Livramento transfer interest
Since arriving at St Mary’s last summer in a deal worth £5m, the teenager has gone on to make a fantastic impression in the English top flight. The 19-year-old has made 23 league appearances for the Saints and has shown no sign of being out of his depth, despite failing to get a senior bow for his former club Chelsea.
As a result of his fine form and exciting promise, a number of suitors are reportedly interested in luring the youngster away from the south coast, including the likes of Tottenham and Manchester United.
The urgency in the deal comes as Chelsea have a buyback clause which activates in 2023, when they can re-sign the teenager for a sensational £38m. With the Blues’ current delicate situation, this eventuality is unclear, although it has sparked the beginning of a hectic transfer pursuit.
The Latest: Barclay’s claim on Livramento…
Barclay believes that Southampton are hoping to keep Livramento until at least next summer, adding that the defender is keen on remaining with Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side until such time.
Speaking to GiveMeSport, the journalist claimed: “I’m told that Southampton are very keen to at least keep him for another year and I think Livramento thinks that’s a good idea as well.”
The Verdict: Great business
If Southampton are able to keep hold of Livramento until the summer of 2023, this will work out to be an incredible piece of business by the south coast club.
Regardless of their current situation, with Chelsea’s buyback clause waiting, clubs will be frantically trying to negotiate with one of England’s brightest prospects, who has been hailed by Saints teammate Theo Walcott as a “future star”.
With a minimum return of £33m potentially arising from the buyback clause, an extra season will give Southampton time to find a suitable replacement for the 19-year-old, whose eventual departure will provide Hasenhuttl with plenty of funds to bolster his squad elsewhere.
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