Manchester City target leaves door open for summer transfer in breakthrough interview | OneFootball

Newcastle and England defender Valentino Livramento has reacted to speculation over his future at St. James’ Park amid interest from Manchester City.

Livramento has been identified as Manchester City’s top target to replace the outgoing Kyle Walker, who has been left out of the FIFA Club World Cup squad after returning from his loan spell at AC Milan.

Walker has been told he has no future at the Etihad Stadium past the summer and as he enters the final year of his contract, the 35-year-old is expected to find a new club ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.

Manchester City have enjoyed a busy start to the summer transfer window before travelling to the United States for the Club World Cup, signing Rayan Ait-Nouri, Marcus Bettinelli, Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki in time for the quartet to be eligible for the Club World Cup.

City are still expected to return to the market after the Club World Cup as they hunt for Walker’s long-term successor, with Livramento understood to feature high on the club’s wishlist of targets.

The 22-year-old has three years remaining on his current deal at St. James’ Park, with Newcastle and Eddie Howe adamant on keeping hold of the right-back following the club’s return to the UEFA Champions League after an impressive fifth-place 2024-25 league finish.

Livramento is currently away with the England U-21s at the European Championship – alongside Manchester City’s James McAtee – and is expected to make a decision on his future following his return from international duty.

Newcastle are believed to be firm over their stance on a sale for one of their best and brightest talents, whom they would only consider selling if Manchester City were to table a bid too good to turn down especially given the duration left on the defender’s contract.

Speaking to Gary Stonehouse of Sun Sport on his Newcastle future, Livramento said: “I’m in constant contact with him (Newcastle boss Eddie Howe).

“He (Howe) has just said to keep focusing on what you’re doing now and you’re doing so well. Having that relationship with someone that is such a big figure in what I’ve done so far is amazing for me.”

Asked specifically about transfer interest from Manchester City, the Englishman added: “I’m very much focused on what I’m doing here (at the U-21 European Championship) now. I don’t know anything about that.

“Being away with the (England) U-21s is my main priority. I like to stay in the moment and just focus on what I can do to help the team.”