It was just a few words, a sentence buried in a nondescript Eddie Howe press conference a week or so ago when he was asked what he was seeing from his Newcastle United players on the training ground.

Newcastle right-back Tino Livramento is reportedly been targeted by Manchester City as a potential replacement for Kyle Walker, who recently left to join AC Milan on loan. Walker is out of contract at Man City in the summer as Pep Guardiola looks to address the right-back position in his squad.

Ahead of the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool in two weeks' time, the Magpies have plenty to contend with, particularly following a dramatic FA Cup defeat at St James' Park on Sunday