Newcastle back in for Iván Fresneda? - Why move for Sporting Lisbon star makes sense

Newcastle United have already got their eyes on a potential Tino Livramento replacement, and have done for a few years now.

Manchester City are thought to be very keen on Newcastle and England full-back Tino Livramento, and after the 23-year-old put contract talks with Ross Wilson on hold, there's a strong belief that he could be on his way this summer.

He'll not come cheap, whether it's Man City or Arsenal that make a move, and Newcastle are likely to bring in substantially more than the £32 million they paid Southampton, but then it becomes a case of replacing him.

Right-back is an area that Newcastle aren't exactly blessed with back up, especially as the two players behind Tino in the pecking order, Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth, are out of contract this summer and likely to leave.

Toon back on Fresneda trail?

A report from A Bola in Portugal believes that Newcastle are keeping a close eye on Sporting's Ivan Fresneda.

If that name sounds familiar, it's because Newcastle were linked with him back in 2023, when Toon scouts were spotted in the stands watching him for Real Valladolid; his last club before he made the move to Portugal.

The 21-year-old has a €80 million (£69 million) release clause at Sporting, but it's thought they would be open to negotiations, having only paid £7.8 million for his services themselves.

Arsenal are also thought to be interested in the six-foot tall Spanish Under-21 international, which would add up given they also had scouts in the stands at that same game back in 2023.

Fresneda could be a target even if Tino stays

Regardless of whether Tino Livramento leaves this summer, Newcastle will be on the lookout for a right-back.

As we said earlier in the piece, the two players below Tino in the pecking order are likely going to leave, so at least one of them will need to be replaced.

The Fresneda links make a lot of sense right now with that in mind. Also, his form this season, particularly in the Champions League, means he have jumped quite high up on Newcastle's priority list, especially if possible alternatives like Brentford's Michael Kayode would be tough to sign.

Fending off Arsenal may be an issue, but Newcastle will have the funds, especially if they sell Livramento. We definitely feel this is one to keep a close eye on when the window opens, based on our need for right-backs, prior interest and the likelihood we look overseas for any Tino replacement.