PL giants face competition from Manchester United and Arsenal for 23-year-old defender's transfer: Reports

Manchester United and Arsenal have reportedly joined the race to sign Manchester City target Tino Livramento from Newcastle United. The two Premier League sides see the defender as an ideal fit for their squad.

According to a report in Caught Offside, Livramento is a target for multiple Premier League clubs in January. Newcastle United are keen on keeping their star player and do not see a reason to sell him in the January window.

Livramento was asked about the possibility of leaving Newcastle United, and he said (via Shields Gazette):

“That’s nothing that I’m in control of. I leave that to my dad, to my agent. For me, I’ve been out for seven weeks. I’ve been working really hard to come back and obviously help the team. I’m very happy with how I’ve played. That’s my focus, staying where I’m at now. That’s always been my focus, helping the team as much as I can.”

Manchester City see the 23-year-old as the ideal right-back for Pep Guardiola's side. Matheus Nunes has been used as the full-back by the manager since the sale of Kyle Walker, while Rico Lewis has fallen down the pecking order.

Manchester United are keen on signing a right wing-back, as they look to upgrade on Diogo Dalot. Ruben Amorim wants to use Amad Diallo as a forward and does not want to push him inot a defensive role.

Arsenal have Jurrien Timber in fine form, but the Gunners are looking to bring in another full-back as Ben White has been linked with a move away from the club.

Theo Walcott wanted Arsenal to sign Manchester United star

Former Premier League star Theo Walcott was on the It’s Called Soccer Podcast earlier this season when he said that Arsenal should have signed Bryan Mbeumo before he went to Manchester United. He believes that the former Brentford star was ideal for the Gunners and said:

"The team are understanding the way to play in his system now. You have Cunha coming back and defending as well and Mbeumo who I think is outstanding. You look at players away from the Premier League who come into the Premier League, they take time. These guys [like Mbeumo] were built for Premier League football. I think Mbeumo has been incredible and he’s a player Arsenal should have bought many years ago."

Manchester United signed Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford for £65 million this summer. Arsenal moved for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke and signed him for £48.5 million.