Southampton boss Russell Martin has confirmed Newcastle United have agreed a deal for Tino Livramento and the full-back is now undergoing a medical with the Magpies ahead of a move.
The Magpies agreed a fee with the Saints for the England under-21 international on Thursday and, as such, he wasn’t involved in Southampton’s 2-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough in Friday night’s Championship curtain raiser.
Livramento will add competition in the full-back ranks to Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, Matt Targett, Emil Krafth and Javi Manquillo and is seen as one of the best young talents in English football.
Eddie Howe remained tight lipped when asked about the deal on Friday but Martin, who only took over as Saints manager this summer, has hailed Livramento as a ‘brilliant young man’ who he wishes he could have worked with longer ahead of his move to Tyneside.
“So Tino was never going to be in the squad,” Martin confirmed to Sky Sports before the Saints’ win over Sheffield Wednesday on Friday evening.
“So he trained with the group who aren’t here tonight and who have a few injuries, because of what has been going on and how close the deal was. So it hasn’t changed plans too much because from yesterday [Thursday] morning we envisaged it was really close.
“He trained really well yesterday and then yesterday afternoon the clubs agreed a deal and obviously Tino will have a medical there and I wish him nothing but the best.
“I have only worked with him five weeks and I wish I had a bit longer but he is a brilliant young man and an outanding, really top talent. Everyone here wishes him all the best and hopefully it all goes smoothly.”
