Newcastle Devise Strategic Move to Block Manchester City's Pursuit of Tino Livramento

Newcastle United are preparing to offer Tino Livramento a lucrative new contract that would place him among the club's highest earners, as they look to ward off persistent pursuit from Manchester City, according to reports.

Despite being just 22 years old, Livramento has already generated over £55 million ($74.2 million) in total transfer fees. Newcastle's complete deal for the former Chelsea youth product could eventually cost them £40 million ($53.9 million) from Southampton if all performance clauses are triggered.

Following an injury-affected season playing second fiddle to Kieran Trippier, Livramento cemented his position as a guaranteed starter under Eddie Howe last campaign, appearing in 37 of Newcastle's 38 Premier League matches. The pacey full-back, who excels at bombing forward on his preferred right side, also demonstrated his adaptability by operating at left-back during the latter half of the previous season.

This skill set has generated considerable speculation linking him with Manchester City. Pep Guardiola has publicly stated his desire for a new right-back this summer. Kyle Walker's move to Burnley has only intensified those requirements.

Nevertheless, Newcastle have no intention of parting with Livramento. The Times reports that Howe's team are preparing a six-year contract extension for the England defender that would make him one of the club's "highest-paid players".

This strategy mirrors Newcastle's approach with Alexander Isak. The Swedish forward was reportedly set to become the club's best-compensated player ever when contract discussions surfaced in June. However, within a month, he became the target of a highly publicized bid from Liverpool.

Newcastle seem to have survived the initial surge of interest in their star player—though his representative has ensured potential departure routes remain available. Whether fresh interest from City regarding Livramento would reignite those concerns is yet to be determined.

Guardiola's team have already invested more than £300 million ($404.6 million) in transfers this calendar year but still require a traditional right-back. Rico Lewis and converted midfielder Matheus Nunes split duties alongside center-back Abdukodir Khusanov throughout City's Club World Cup campaign.