Tino Livramento appears to be in no rush to finalize a new contract, opting instead to postpone his decision until closer to the season’s conclusion.

Although informal discussions have occurred this month, and sporting director Ross Wilson maintains a strong rapport with all parties involved, Livramento’s representatives prefer to hold off on making any commitments at the moment.

Currently contracted until 2028, there is a desire from Newcastle to secure his future with an enhanced deal, especially given Livramento’s impressive performances and his recent rise as an England international.

Meanwhile, Manchester City has shown significant interest in Livramento, conducting thorough scouting on the young talent. With Pep Guardiola experimenting by deploying midfielder Matheus Nunes and center-back Abdukodir Khusanov in the right-back position this season, City is anticipated to make a formal approach by 2026.

Livramento’s decision could be swayed if Newcastle succeeds in reclaiming a spot in the Champions League. In such a scenario, he might see a renewed contract and further growth at St James’ Park as the most promising path. While discussions remain ongoing, the defender’s future beyond this remains unclear.

Manchester City retain a strong interest in Tino Livramento, and there is a feeling that the player will leave his options open for the time being

Livramento has become a key man for Newcastle and won three England caps since moving to Tyneside in 2023

French star on Toon radar 

Newcastle’s scouting team are keen on Auxerre midfielder Kevin Danois, and are keeping close tabs ahead of the January and summer transfer windows.

Nothing is active in terms of an approach, but the recruitment team have watched the 21-year-old closely and have been taken by his technical skill and tenacity. He is said to be comfortable on the ball, hard-working and athletic, with the attributes to play across the midfield.

Bournemouth, a club renowned for unearthing gems from the continent in recent years, tried to sign Guadeloupe-born Danois in the summer but had an offer of around £10million rejected. His development has continued in Ligue 1 this season and the France Under 21 international scored his first goal of the campaign during last weekend’s 3-1 win over Metz.

AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit remains Newcastle’s top midfield target, but given the competition for the 19-year-old, work is being done on others of a similar profile with a high ceiling for improvement.

Kevin Danois celebrates scoring his first goal of the season last weekend, for Auxerre in their 3-1 win over Metz

Howe’s winning formula for the derby

Eddie Howe will replicate what he hopes is a winning formula in preparation for Sunday’s derby against Sunderland.

It was two weeks ago at Everton that Newcastle recorded their first away win of the Premier League season, on the back of a midweek Champions League fixture in Marseille.

Howe made a tweak to the normal schedule by training the day after the game, despite returning to the UK in the early hours. He then allowed his players a full day of rest two days out from the trip to Merseyside. They responded with a 4-1 victory.

And Confidential can reveal Howe is sticking to a winning formula. Newcastle’s players trained on Thursday after getting to bed at around 3am following the flight back from Leverkusen. They will be given Friday off before training on Saturday.

Rather than stay in a hotel, the squad will be at home on Saturday night before travelling to the Stadium of Light by coach from the club’s training ground.

Sunday will be the first Premier League derby since 2016, and Newcastle are aiming to end a 14-year wait for a league victory over their rivals – having also beaten them 3-0 in the FA Cup in January 2024.

Ryan Taylor’s winner in August 2011 remains the most recent time that Newcastle beat Sunderland in a league game

Though they did seal a euphoric and comprehensive 3-0 victory in the FA Cup third round two seasons ago

Tindall’s tipples 

Jason Tindall is among the investors in a new cafe and wine bar that is likely to prove popular with Newcastle’s players and staff.

Say When on Gosforth High Street opened last weekend with assistant boss Tindall joined by the likes of Harvey Barnes, Fabian Schar and Aaron Ramsdale.

The eatery is located in the upmarket Gosforth suburb that is home to several of the Magpies contingent. Indeed, the likes of Sandro Tonali, Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman and others are regularly seen in coffee shops and restaurants in the area.

But maybe it will be that Tindall pulls rank and makes Say When their first port of call from now on…

The drinks are on Jason Tindall (right) after he invested in a new cafe and wine bar

Pope’s still No 1  

Howe will give serious consideration to starting Nick Pope at the Stadium of Light, should the goalkeeper prove his fitness in the next 48 hours.

The word all week has been that Pope has a good chance of recovering from a groin problem in time for the trip to Wearside.

He suffered the injury the day before the trip to Everton on November 29, when there was speculation that he could be dropped for Ramsdale. It is thought Pope would have started had he been fit.

Ramsdale has deputised during the last four matches and Newcastle are unbeaten in that time. However, if Pope is available, there is a strong chance the No 1 will be restored to the starting XI.

Meanwhile, Newcastle will know more on the extent of Joelinton’s groin injury picked up at Leverkusen in the next 24 hours, but the feeling was he should be OK. Likewise Yoane Wissa, who could only manage a few minutes in Germany after being hit by illness this week.

Botman, Trippier, Emil Krafth and Will Osula remain sidelined.

Aaron Ramsdale (left) has started Newcastle’s last four games since Nick Pope (right) suffered a groin injury and they are unbeaten in that time 

Murphy’s lure?

Newcastle defender Alex Murphy is set for talks with the club over the possibility of heading out on loan in January.

The 21-year-old has been around the squad all season but has managed just a few minutes of action, during the Carabao Cup win over Bradford in September.

Murphy spent the second half of last season on loan at Bolton and there is a feeling among some that his development would be aided by again playing matches in the EFL.

The concern for Howe would be that Murphy provides cover at left back, where Lewis Hall is currently first-choice and building fitness after injury.

Alex Murphy (left) has been in and around the first team without getting much game time this season

TOON TEASER

Finally, it’s Toon Teaser time.

Our last puzzler, ahead of the trip to Everton, was… name the SIX direct transfers between the clubs since 1992-93 (it did not include Dan Gosling, who was a free agent after leaving Everton).

The answers were; Peter Beardsley, Duncan Ferguson, Anthony Gordon, Marc Hottiger, Alessandro Pistone and Gary Speed.

This week, can you name the NINETEEN players to have appeared for Newcastle and Sunderland since 1992-93? I really struggled with this one…