"The player would be wanting" - Journalist drops Livramento future claim amid Saints exit rumour

Journalist Tom Barclay believes Southampton defender Tino Livramento will be ‘wanting’ to remain at the club for at least another year amid speculation over his future.

The highly-rated 19-year-old only arrived from boyhood club Chelsea last summer via a £5 million deal but has already been linked with a move away following several outstanding displays.

According to The Express, Manchester United are lining up an offer for Livramento as current right-back options Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot have failed to impress interim manager Ralf Rangnick.

And it’s believed that the German tactician has informed the Red Devils’ hierarchy that Livramento should be their number one priority when the market reopens.

However, United could be set to face some fierce competition for the England Under-21 international’s signature after his former side Chelsea were also credited with an interest.

The Athletic revealed back in September that the west London outfit had inserted a £50 million buyback clause into the deal that took Livramento to the south coast club, although they wouldn’t have to pay the fee in full.

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That’s because Chelsea are also in line to receive a share of the profit from the player’s next move, meaning Thomas Tuchel’s charges will have to shell out just £38m to re-sign the youngster.

Chelsea don’t have that option until 2023, though, meaning United could become favourites to snap up the talented teenager ahead of next season.

It’s believed that the Blues were reluctant to let Livramento leave, especially as he had just been crowned their academy player of the year, but Southampton offered him regular game time, something he may have