'That's my focus': Tino Livramento speaks out on contract situation amid links to Manchester City
Tino Livramento made a triumphant return to the Newcastle United starting lineup on Saturday evening as Newcastle beat Manchester City 2-1 at St James' Park.
The irony of his return being against Manchester City was likely not lost on anyone, given how the England right-back has been heavily linked with City since the summer.
Several transfer stories did the rounds in the off-season, suggesting that Man City were ready to make a move for the Newcastle full-back, though thankfully, one never materialised.
The rumour hasn't gone away, however, with a recent report trying to suggest that City would offer Newcastle James Trafford as part exchange, but honestly, we're not buying that for a second.
Tino Livramento isn't thinking about a new deal
It has been reported that Newcastle are preparing a bumper contract in a bid to keep Livramento at the club, which the player addressed when speaking to reporters (via The Chronicle) after the win over City on Saturday.
"That's nothing that I'm in control of. I leave that to my dad, to my agent. For me, I've been out for seven weeks. I've been working really hard to come back and obviously help the team. I'm very happy with how I've played.
"That's my focus, staying where I'm at now. That's always been my focus. Helping the team as much as I can."
Tino Livramento proved on Saturday why we must offer him a new contract ASAP
All Tino did on Saturday was show the Newcastle board how much they need to ensure they can keep him at the club long-term. He and Lewis Hall made such a massive difference to the dynamic of Newcastle's overall game.
Lewis Hall had to come off after 77 minutes due to cramp, but we expect he'll be fit and ready to take on Marseille tomorrow night.
Dan Burn will, of course, be available again, so Eddie Howe has a decision to make. We just hope he chooses Lewis Hall. Howay, Eddie. Make the right call!
