Chelsea re-signing Southampton defender Tino Livramento cannot be ruled out, believes journalist Pete O'Rourke.

The 20-year-old, who left the Blues for the Saints last year, has recently been linked with a return to Stamford Bridge.

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What is the latest news involving Livramento?

According to journalist Simon Phillips (via Sports Illustrated Chelsea), Chelsea are exploring bringing Livramento back to west London as they look to strengthen in the right-back position.

As per The Athletic, the Blues can sign the English youngster for £38m in 2023 thanks to a buy-back clause.

Livramento has been out injured since the end of last season but was really impressive for Southampton before he was sidelined.

“Whenever a new player comes to our club, it normally takes them a little bit of time, to be honest, with our pressing style and with the intensity with which we train,” former Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl was quoted as saying by the Shropshire Star when discussing Livramento last term.

"When I saw how quickly he got there and how quickly he was able to deliver what we asked of him in this position, I knew that we had something very good, something very special."

What has O'Rourke said about Livramento and Chelsea?

Given that Chelsea have not been afraid to re-sign former players before, O'Rourke is refusing to rule out the possibility of them returning for Livramento.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the journalist said: "You never say never with Chelsea. They've done it in the past. They brought players back that they let go early.

"The likes of [Nemanja] Matic and David Luiz both made returns to Stamford Bridge, and Livramento, obviously, was very impressive last season before he picked up his injury. He's been a big loss for Southampton so far this season as well."

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

Should Chelsea re-sign Livramento?

It would be a very logical move. Reece James has picked up a few injuries since his breakthrough at Stamford Bridge, so Graham Potter could probably do with some more cover for that right-back/right wing-back position.

He does have Cesar Azpilicueta to call upon, of course, but the Spaniard, now 33 years of age, is no longer in his prime.

Sooner or later, Chelsea will have to replace him, and an extremely talented full-back like Livramento, who Theo Walcott previously compared to former Real Madrid and Tottenham star Gareth Bale, could be perfect.

However, with James still at the club, Livramento is unlikely to be a regular starter, so it would not be a shock if a Chelsea homecoming was not for him.

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