Newcastle United are set to intensify their efforts to sign Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes.
The Magpies have already made a statement by signing Sandro Tonali from AC Milan ahead of their return to the Champions League next season. They are showing great ambition in the transfer market and are expected to bring in some more exciting names after the addition of Tonali.
Eddie Howe wants to add a wide attacker to his attacking ranks at St James’ Park and is reportedly pushing Newcastle United to get a deal for Harvey Barnes over the line. A product of Leicester City’s youth system, Barnes, 25, made his first-team debut in 2018 and has since gone on to make 187 appearances in all competitions, bagging 45 goals with 32 assists. The-25-year-old has been one of the rare shining lights in an otherwise forgettable campaign for the Foxes that ended in relegation, scoring 13 goals and providing three assists from 40 matches last season.
Barnes, who is valued at around £40m by Leicester City, is also of interest to Tottenham, Aston Villa and West Ham, but Newcastle are believed to leading the race for his signature.
Eddie Howe pushing Newcastle to sign Harvey Barnes
Eddie Howe wants more quality in the attacking ranks, especially on the left flank, having grown frustrated with Allan Saint-Maximin’s injury issues and lack of consistency. He wants Newcastle to sign a left-winger and one could arrive if Saint-Maximin is sold, with the flashy Frenchman attracting interest from Saudi Arabian clubs.
Harvey Barnes, in that regard, fits the profile of player Eddie Howe is looking to bring to St James’ Park as the Magpies prepare for European football. Blessed with explosive pace and bundles of energy, Barnes is a quality player who would instantly improve Newcastle’s attacking options. He can also operate from the right flank, and his thrust, pace and directness combined with his energy and work ethic, would excite the St James’ Park faithful.
Simply going by his numbers—45 goals and 32 assists—for the Foxes, the one-cap England international would be an instant upgrade on Saint-Maximin. Barnes will be hoping to play at the highest level next season and is understandably pushing for a move away from Leicester after their relegation. And he should be tempted by a move to Newcastle due to their participation in the Champions League next term.
Leicester might be hoping a bidding war ensues due to the heavy interest in Barnes’ signature. If Newcastle are willing to pay around £40m, Eddie Howe could land one of his top targets.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
