Southampton are in a positive position despite the possibility of Tino Livramento sealing a return to Chelsea, according to the Sun journalist Tom Barclay.

Livramento, who came through the ranks at Stamford Bridge, sealed a move to Saints during the summer transfer window.

What's the latest news on Livramento?

Southampton forked out £5million to beat Premier League rivals Brighton & Hove Albion in the race to sign Livramento.

Livramento, who failed to make a single Chelsea appearance before his exit, admitted earlier this month that he needed to leave Stamford Bridge in order to kickstart his career.

However, he could still return to west London as it has emerged that Chelsea inserted a £40million buyback clause into the deal which took the 18-year-old to St Mary's.

Livramento has earned praise from Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl during the early stages of his career on the south coast and the Austrian claimed a promise of first-team football persuaded the teenager to join Saints instead of Brighton.

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What has Tom Barclay said about Livramento?

Barclay insists Southampton would not have seen Chelsea's insistence on inserting a buyback clause as a deterrent in signing Livramento.

Instead, the journalist argues Saints would have been satisfied with the agreement.

Barclay told GIVEMESPORT: "Southampton are more than happy with the buyback clause because it's around £40million.

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"If Tino Livramento really does go on to become a £40million player and Chelsea are actually open to trying to sign him back for that kind of money, Southampton - with their model these days - would be happy with that.

"They'd have had a player that clearly has done so much for the club and by being that good they've benefitted from the deal. They would also make money because they spent £5million, so it would be a massive profit.

"It's definitely a win-win for them and it would be a win-win situation for Livramento as well."

How has Livramento performed so far this season?

Livramento has quickly become a key player for Hasenhuttl, with the right-back starting all eight of Southampton's Premier League fixtures since his move.

He has also broken into the England under-21 squad and now has three caps to his name since making his debut last month.

Livramento has been gaining plenty of praise since bursting onto the scene as well, with Sky Sports pundits Ledley King and Graeme Souness - via HampshireLive - claiming he has a bright future ahead of him.

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