SAINTS have explained that the fee received for Tino Livramento will “help with the wider rebuilding project” as his Newcastle United move is confirmed.

The 20-year-old right-back departs after two seasons at St Mary’s, in which he made 34 appearances, following a significant offer from the Magpies.

The Daily Echo understands the total fee Saints could receive is approaching £40million with a sizeable upfront amount and add-ons.

The club statement reads: “Although disappointed to lose Livramento, the club chose to accept Newcastle’s latest bid as it both represented fair value for a player of his ability while the fee will also support the wider rebuilding project within the squad this summer.”

The move ends Livramento’s memorable spell at Saints, following his signing from Chelsea as a teenager in the summer of 2021.

Despite having not played a senior match before he joined the club, the full-back – then 18 – was given his opportunity immediately, starting the season's opening match at Everton and swiftly establishing himself as one of the most exciting young English prospects in the game.

A knee injury sustained at Brighton in April 2022 cruelly curtailed Livramento’s breakout season early.

It kept him sidelined for more than a year, but, after rehabilitating with the club’s medical staff, he made a return to action at the very same ground in May, featuring in the final two matches of the season.

The club statement adds: “The club wishes Tino every success for the future and looks forward to seeing what he achieves.”