Man City prepare world-record Newcastle raid to pile misery on Howe

Manchester City are ready to make Newcastle defender Tino Livramento the most expensive full-back in the history of football, according to a report.

The three-time England international has been out injured since the beginning of January, having previously had two spells on the sidelines with a knee problem. When fit, Livramento is one of the first names on the team sheet for Newcastle. Without him, Eddie Howe’s men have struggled.

His importance is well documented, as is Man City’s interest in him. Pep Guardiola and company have been chasing Livramento for some time, but Newcastle have thus far refused to entertain offers for the 23-year-old.

However, TEAMtalk reports that the Cityzens are ready to break the bank to finally get their hands on Livramento this summer. Despite his fitness issues this season, Man City are prepared to make him the world’s most expensive full-back, a record currently held by Achraf Hakimi.

Newcastle, it is claimed, could hold out for as much as €80 million, which would obliterate Hakimi’s record of €68m. While Livramento has so far not agitated for a move, City are said to be convinced that he wants to join them.

Newcastle need a different transfer strategy

Losing Livramento would be a massive blow to Newcastle, but it would give them additional funds to work with. It is clear that they need to have a different approach to their summer business compared to last year.

The Magpies panicked after missing out on several top targets and made desperate offers for various strikers around Europe, ultimately bringing in Nick Woltemade for an inflated club-record fee.

Although the German enjoyed a good start to life at St. James’ Park, the mood has turned sour. He hasn’t scored in the league since December, and Howe, who is under growing pressure after a 3-2 loss to Everton, is unsure where to play him.

This was always going to be the main problem with Woltemade, who has never been a traditional No.9. His best role is as a second striker, but Newcastle do not play with a system that can accommodate such a player.

Because of his awkward fit and the money spent on him, Woltemade has been described as the “worst signing in Premier League history” by talkSPORT presenter Adrian Durham.

“Let’s get this right,” Durham concluded his lengthy rant. “He is a footballer, he’s got talent. But he has not got a place in the Newcastle United team, and I think that is the fundamental flaw here.

“It’s not about him as a person, it’s not about him as a player even. But it’s the way Newcastle play, the fact they needed to replace [Alexander] Isak. Howe is putting him all over the park, trying to find a place for him.

“£70m and he hasn’t even got a place in the team? That’s your big signing. That’s a joke signing. So pound-for-pound, for what a team needed and what he brings, I make Woltemade the worst-ever Premier League signing.”

Football transfer news headlines today

TRANSFER RUMOURS: Delap edges closer to Chelsea exit as €70m battle begins

Arsenal and Chelsea at WAR over €70m summer signing

Todd Boehly reveals comical reason behind €65m Chelsea signing

Liverpool plot record-breaking offer for their next superstar signing

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers’ new app for all of football’s big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:

•Google Play

•App Store