Manchester City transfer news: Tino Livramento decision made as Pep Guardiola searches for 'solution' to Kyle Walker problem

Manchester City are said to have decided against bidding for Newcastle United right-back Tino Livramento despite the club still wanting to find a Kyle Walker replacement.

The Citizens will hope that their recent transfer business will be enough to challenge Premier League champions Liverpool next season, with the club spending in excess of £300m since the January window.

Despite the team's significant expenditure, manager Pep Guardiola is still reportedly in the market for a right-back following the exit of Kyle Walker to Burnley this summer.

Walker's relationship with Guardiola was said to have soured, leading to his permanent switch to Burnley, and it is not surprising that the City boss has looked to replace the defender.

Newcastle's Livramento has been strongly linked with a move to the Etihad, but the Manchester Evening News claim that a bid will not be lodged, and that alternative solutions will be looked at.

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Guardiola's Kyle Walker problem

Walker was sent out on loan to AC Milan in the January transfer window, and he ended his eight-year spell at the club in the summer, but he has arguably yet to be replaced.

At his best, the Englishman was crucial to Guardiola's defensive strategy, with his recovery pace helping to shield a structure that was vulnerable to counter-attacks.

The right-back appeared to struggle in 2024-25 when facing fast and technical opponents, and his decline was part of why City conceded 44 goals in the league, the most since 2009-10 (45).

Considering Guardiola's side looked unusually vulnerable last term, they will have to find ways of dealing with transitions if they are to finish first next season.

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Is Matheus Nunes good enough for Manchester City?

Guardiola opted to deploy Matheus Nunes in Walker's position for much of the 2024-25 season, though the Portuguese is a natural midfielder.

However, Nunes is one of the quickest players at City and there is an argument that his recovery pace could help to cover the absence of Walker, at least until a suitable long-term option can be found.

Rico Lewis can also play on the right side of defence if needed, and fans should have confidence in Guardiola to make the right decision for his starting XI.