Chelsea keeping tabs on former Blues full-back with £25m buyback clause

Transfer News: Chelsea keeping tabs on Southampton right-back Tino Livramento

Chelsea are keen to strengthen their right-back position and the Blues are believed to be keeping tabs on former Blues and current Southampton right-back Tino Livramento. This is according to Football Fan Cast (h/t Express).

The west London outfit sold the 20-year-old Cobham graduate to the Saints in 2021 for £5 million. They did however negotiate a buy-back fee of £25 million, something that the Blues could now pay.

Livramento enjoyed a very successful spell last season, becoming the first choice at right-back for the Saints. He however picked up an injury to his anterior cruciate ligament and has been sidelined since then, being ruled out till next year at least.

Graham Potter needs an understudy for Reece James. The Englishman has been one of our best players for some time now. But since he picked up a knee injury last month, Potter has struggled to find a player to fill in for him.

He has deployed Cesar Azpilicueta, Ruben-Loftus Cheek, Christian Pulisic and even Raheem Sterling in the right wing-back position. None have been able to meet the standards set by James when it comes to contributing in attack and defence in a comprehensive manner.

In such a case, Livramento seems to be a good option, but with the 20-year-old still out, a move in January is highly unlikely. The former Youth Player of the Year is yet to feature in a game this season.

A move is not likely till next summer, meaning Potter will now have to look for other options. It remains to be seen who, if any, backup is brought in to compete for a place with James in January.

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Livramento would know a thing or two about the club and hence, could be a smart option to bring in. But it will be interesting to see if he would settle for a role below James in the Chelsea pecking order.