Man Utd told to spend ‘mega-money’ on PL star to sort their ‘problems’

Ex-Tottenham defender Alan Hutton believes Man Utd would need to spend “mega-money” to sign Southampton full-back Tino Livramento.

The 19-year-old came through the ranks at Chelsea. He did not make his senior debut for the Blues before he left last summer.

Southampton paid around £5m to sign the right-back from their Premier League rivals.

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The Saints are enjoying a strong season as they currently sit ninth in the table. Livramento has been one of their standout players.

It has been reported that Chelsea included a £38m buy-back clause in the sale of Livramento. This option becomes active at the end of the 2022/23 season.

Manchester Evening News revealed earlier this week that Man Utd are interested in Livramento.

The Red Devils have used Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot at right-back this season. Hutton thinks Livramento would “really improve” Man Utd’s squad:

“It’s going to cost Man United a lot of money,” Hutton told Football Insider.

“They’ve had real problems at right-back this season. Ralf Rangnick has chopped and changed from game to game and it’s not really been settled.

“They’ll be looking to sort that out for the new manager. I’m not sure Chelsea will be willing to fork out £38million with Reece James the obvious first choice, but you’re still talking a lot of money.

“It’ll be an interesting one to keep an eye on this summer. Livramento is a brilliant talent who would really improve that squad – especially if they’re looking to play with wing-backs.

“But it’s going to cost them mega-money, that’s for sure.”

Back in November, Theo Walcott likened Livramento to ex-Southampton and Tottenham star Gareth Bale:

“You know what, he actually reminds me a little bit of Gareth (Bale) coming through as a full-back.

“I just feel like his presence, the way he drives, his pace and power – there’s no surprises, you know what he’s going to do but he is so strong with the ball and very clever, technically he’s fantastic.

“He’s got great people around him to work with him and the great thing about Southampton is he’s got so many youth players around him.

“I think it’s important to have similar age players close to you, I remember when I came through it was a lot of experienced players which was very different, but I feel like he will be able to fit right in with this generation of team coming through now.

“I feel like he’s going to have a very good career.”