Manchester City “very keen” on sealing player-plus-cash deal for “outstanding” Premier League defender

Newcastle United's Jacob Murphy, Kieran Trippier, Tino Livramento, Harvey Barnes and Alexander Isak. (Reuters/Andrew Boyers)

Manchester City are firing on all cylinders in the 2025/26 season.

Erling Haaland has been unstoppable, netting 19 goals in 15 games, while Jeremy Doku is finally showcasing the world-class quality expected of him.

Tijjani Reijnders has been dominant in midfield, and Rayan Cherki is dazzling after returning to fitness. At the back, Gianluigi Donnarumma has proven why he’s considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

Yet despite this near-perfect setup, Pep Guardiola is still looking to strengthen his squad.

Manchester City are reportedly eyeing Tino Livramento as part of a potential player-plus-cash deal with Newcastle United, sources told TEAMtalk.

The 23-year-old right-back has become one of the most sought-after defenders in the Premier League, praised as “outstanding” by Newcastle legend Alan Shearer.

His combination of pace, defensive intelligence, and attacking threat has caught the attention of Pep Guardiola, who sees him as a perfect fit for City’s high-tempo style.

City could offer goalkeeper James Trafford in return, the 23-year-old Manchester City academy product who has struggled for opportunities since the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma. Newcastle are reportedly “very interested” in Trafford, making him a potential sweetener in any swap deal.

Sources say Manchester City are “very keen” to get the deal done, combining a proven Premier League talent with cash to bolster their already formidable squad.

For Guardiola, it represents a low-risk way to upgrade at full-back while moving a player on who has limited future at the Etihad.

Barnaby Lane is a highly experienced sports writer who has written for The Times, FourFourTwo Magazine, Sports Illustrated, TalkSPORT, and Business Insider.

Over the years, he's had the pleasure of interviewing some of the biggest names in world sport, including Usain Bolt, Rafael Nadal, Christian Pulisic, and more.