Eddie Howe claims he’s “slightly in the dark” on our pursuit of Tino Livramento, saying we’ll have to “wait and see” what happens on that front in the next couple of days.
This comes after widespread reports revealed yesterday that we’d agreed a fee with Southampton for the 20-year-old talent. His response was similar on Harvey Barnes just hours before he signed and arrived at our US training camp, so I’d take that with a pinch of salt!
Howe added that he “likes the player” and also dismissed fears around his ACL injury last season. He spoke generally at this point, but insists we do thorough medicals to make sure any player signing arrives in good physical condition.
Elsewhere, the boss revealed that Fabian Schar is “very close” to returning – easing fears around a potential hamstring injury – and that Sean Longstaff is back for the Sela Cup following a groin issue.
However, Joe Willock will play no part this weekend as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury. Emil Krafth is back in training but won’t play against Fiorentina or Villarreal. Here’s what he had to say:
Eddie Howe when asked if he can confirm reports on Tino Livramento:
““I’m not (able to). I am slightly in the dark on that, unfortunately. Let’s wait and see what happens in the next couple of days but certainly I like the player.”
“Without talking directly on Tino, just on the general subject of the question (of his ACL injury last season). That’s why we do thorough medicals. That’ll be down to that aspect of the football club to make sure any player we sign is in good physical condition.”
Eddie Howe on Schar, Willock and Krafth:
“We don’t have a fully fit squad.
“We’re going to make a late decision on whether he (Schar) is involved. He’s certainly very close.
“Joe Willock won’t be involved in either game – he’s still working his way back to full fitness. Emil Krafth won’t be involved.”
