Livramento hails Howe's guidance as he focuses on England

Tino Livramento has praised Newcastle boss Eddie Howe's influence as he navigates a summer of speculation.

The Magpies full-back is preparing for England Under-21s' Euro 2025 quarter-final with Spain in Slovakia on Saturday.

He has been linked with Manchester City after an impressive season with the Newcastle, including helping them lift the Carabao Cup.

Livramento sidestepped questions about his future at the Young Lions' training base just outside Bratislava but believes Howe's guidance is key.

"The manager, I'm in constant contact with him. He has just said to keep focusing on what you're doing now and you're doing so well," he said.

"So I think having that relationship with someone that is obviously such a big figure in what I've done so far is an amazing thing for me.

"I'm very much focused on what I'm doing here now. I don't know anything about that [City interest]. Being away with the under-21s is my main priority. I like to stay in the moment and just focus on what I can do to help the team now."

Two years ago, Livramento watched his under-21 team-mates win the European Championship while on holiday after missing out because of injury.

The 22-year-old had just recovered from a serious knee injury which kept him sidelined for a year while at Southampton.

Saturday's last-eight meeting with Spain is a rematch of that final - which Lee Carsley's side won 1-0.

He said: "In my career it was definitely the right thing for me not to go.

"Lee spoke to me, which was a big thing. He just said, 'I'd love for you to come away but it's obviously not the right timing with the injury' and everything I had going on in my life at that moment.

"I was just very much behind the idea of supporting the team away from obviously being in Georgia. It was a great group and I loved watching them play.

"I want to be part of the team that wins this trophy and I want to retain it for my nation."