Southampton boss delivers key message as Newcastle aim to sign Livramento

Southampton manager Russell Martin wants the likes of Newcastle United target Tino Livramento to ‘give it all they’ve got’ while speculation over a summer move continues.

The Magpies are hoping to agree a deal with Southampton for the 20-year-old defender. Newcastle made a £23million bid, but it was not enough for the Saints to say yes.

While Livramento is interested in a move to St James’ Park, progress over a deal appears to have stalled.

The two clubs cannot agree a price at the moment, which could lead to Newcastle walking away from the transfer this week.

That would be a shame, as Livramento looks like a great fit for the club right now, and the perfect candidate to replace Kieran Trippier in the future.

The former Chelsea man has proven that he belongs in the Premier League, and is one of many Southampton players who could return to the top flight immediately after relegation.

However, the Saints boss has now delivered an important message to those players who are eyeing a move away.

What Russell Martin wants from his Southampton players

Martin has spoke to Hampshire Live about outgoings at Southampton, and admitted that he has players who want to be back in the Premier League ahead of next season.

“There are the ones who might want to go back to the Premier League,” he said.

“And hopefully, they’re going to look and go ‘actually, it won’t be the worst thing in the world if we end up staying’, so that’s my job to convince them.

“I’ve been really honest that the individual chats we’ve had and I said you know even the ones who think they’ll end up back playing in the Premier League and want to, and there’s interest for them, as long as they give it all they’ve got while they’re here, they owe that to the club after last season in particular.”

Livramento will remain professional as Newcastle talks continue

It is a pretty fair response from Martin. He is not going to stop the likes of Livramento moving to a Premier League club, but wants them to give their all until a deal is agreed.

You can’t put it fairer than that, and Martin should have no concerns regarding that with Livramento. While he is keen to join Newcastle, it does not sound like he will push for a transfer.

That means it will boil down to how much Newcastle are willing to pay, and how much Southampton are willing to sell for. If a compromise cannot be reached, the Magpies will have to walk away and look elsewhere.

Fingers crossed we can make a breakthrough.