Newcastle United have reportedly enquired about Leicester City attacker Harvey Barnes as the rebuild at St. James’ Park continues.
According to Daily Mail, Newcastle United have submitted an enquiry for Leicester City forward Harvey Barnes ahead of the 2022/23 Premier League campaign.
The Magpies harbour ambitions and also possess the money to back them up. However, rather than throw money at the problem, Newcastle appear to be planning an organic rebuild. They have made three signings so far, namely Sven Botman, Nick Pope and Matt Targett.
The attack appears to be the focus as we enter August. Newcastle United were keen on adding Leicester’s attacking midfielder James Maddison, only for the Foxes to price them out of a deal. The Tyneside outfit have shifted gears and are making a play at landing Barnes instead.
The 24-year-old came through the ranks at the King Power Stadium and is a key cog in Brendan Rodgers’s tactics. Barnes largely plays out on the left but can also do a job in central attacking areas. Pairing him up with the excellent Bruno Guimaraes will give Newcastle enough firepower in the middle of the park.
Leicester value the English international at over £60 million, an amount similar to what Newcastle felt was too much for Maddison. Now that they are in the same boat, the onus is on the Tyneside club to make their move.
The Foxes hold the aces when it comes to negotiations. Not only is Barnes a a vital cog but also signed a new contract in 2021 that assures his future at the King Power Stadium until 2025. More so, the fact that Newcastle United have the cash to burn makes their position in negotiations difficult.
One ray of hope the Magpies have is that Leicester need to sell before buying. The Foxes endured a poor 2021/22 campaign, and Rodgers will be keen to get his side back on track. The need to strengthen his squad might force the Leicester boss to part ways with his 24-year-old English international.
Newcastle lack bite upfront and could do with a dynamic addition or two in that section of the pitch. Allan Saint-Maximin was by far their most dangerous attacker last season, but the player has had off-field issues this summer. Bringing in a replacement will be key especially if the Frenchman is allowed to leave amid interest from Chelsea and Tottenham.
Barnes ticks several boxes for Newcastle and gives them an attacker who is a proven commodity in the Premier League. Howe has, in the past, shown his ability to get the best out of such players and could work his magic on the 24-year-old. It could all come down to whether Newcastle can make Leicester an offer they cannot refuse.
