Southampton: Southgate 'big fan' of 'exciting talent' at St Mary's

Southampton defender Tino Livramento is admired by England manager Gareth Southgate, according to The Sun journalist Tom Barclay.

The 19-year-old enjoyed a breakout campaign last term for the Saints before he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament knee injury at Brighton & Hove Albion back in April.

Livramento joined Southampton from Chelsea in a £5 million deal last summer, putting pen to paper on a five-year contract worth £7,000-per-week as he went in search of regular first-team football.

Manager Ralph Hasenhuttl was evidently pleased with his acquisition at the time, labelling him ‘one of the best young players in his position in the country’ upon his arrival.

“He’s one of the best young players in his position in the country,” Hasenhuttl said. “And there were a lot of clubs who were interested in signing him, but finally he chose to join us. I think he has made a very good choice.”

Chelsea included a £25m buy-back option into the deal that took Livramento to Southampton, and his performances in 2021/22 highlighted exactly why.

Yet the right-back is not expected to return to action until the new year despite recently returning to the training pitch, halting his previously impressive progress.

England are currently blessed with a plethora of outstanding options at right-back, but Barclay believes that Livramento is one of the most ‘exciting’ youngsters in the country.

In an interview with GiveMeSport, he said: “He’s one of the most exciting young players in the country.

“I think people have sort of slightly forgotten about him because of his injury, but he’s someone that I was told that Gareth Southgate is a big fan of.”

Livramento racked up three goal contributions in 28 Premier League appearances last season while