Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes.
The Magpies have strengthened their midfield unit by signing Italian international Sandro Tonali from AC Milan. Eddie Howe’s next priority is to add more firepower to his attacking ranks ahead of his club’s return to the Champions League next season.
According to The Guardian, Newcastle United are leading the transfer race for £50m-rated Harvey Barnes, who wants to leave Leicester City following their relegation from the Premier League this past campaign. Aston Villa, Tottenham and West Ham have all enquired about the English winger.
Barnes, 25, was one of the rare bright spots in a torrid campaign for Leicester City. He scored 13 goals and registered an assist in 34 appearances but couldn’t help the Foxes from getting relegated. The winger is now highly coveted within the Premier League with multiple clubs vying for his signature.
Leicester wanted £50million for Barnes but they may have to lower their price due to dropping into the Championship, the report adds.
Harvey Barnes to Newcastle United—Good option?
Newcastle United currently have Miguel Almiron, Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon and Allan Saint-Maximin as options out wide.
Saint-Maximin offers flair and excitement but has struggled with injuries and consistency, and Newcastle feel selling him would boost their transfer budget. Eddie Howe is prepared to sell the French winger if the right offer comes in and reinvest the money in a more rounded attacking player like Harvey Barnes.
Barnes has been a consistent performer for Leicester City, contributing 34 goals and 23 assists in the last four Premier League seasons. The wide-man added a real end product to his game last term, as he was the Foxes’ top scorer last season with 13 goals. The Englishman is blessed with express pace, and that combined with his trickery, crossing and directness, makes him a difficult player to defend against.
There is no doubting Barnes’ quality, and he could make an immediate impact at Newcastle if a deal goes through. He would be an upgrade on Saint-Maximin whilst adding more consistency and potency to Newcastle’s attacking play. Plus, at 25, the one-cap England international fits the profile of players Eddie Howe wants to sign for the Magpies.
Aston Villa, Spurs and West Ham remain in the mix for Barnes, but the blossoming project under Eddie Howe and his team competing in the Champions League next term would be enough appeal for him to join Newcastle. Undoubtedly, Barnes would be a magnificent addition to Howe’s ranks at St James’ Park this summer.
