West Ham United are making progress in their talks to sign Leicester City star Harvey Barnes
According to 90min, Premier League side West Ham United are progressing in their efforts to land Leicester City star Harvey Barnes in the ongoing summer transfer window.
The 25-year-old has emerged as a key player for the Foxes in the last few seasons and is a bonafide star in the Premier League. He scored 13 goals last season and was one of the Foxes’ few shining lights in an otherwise forgettable season. While he was not able to rescue them from relegation, a return to the top flight is inching closer with the Hammers keen.
Primarily a left-winger, Barnes can don different hats in the attack. He should be the perfect foil to Jarrod Bowen on the other wing as David Moyes attempts to take the squad to the next level.
Winning the UEFA Conference League last season was a step in the right direction and the onus is now on the Irons to build upon it. With Declan Rice set to join Arsenal for a club-record fee, money should be available for them to strengthen across the board.
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The likes of Newcastle United, Aston Villa, and Tottenham Hotspur have all been credited with an interest in Barnes. Spurs struggled last season despite having numerous world-class forwards in their ranks. Harry Kane was the only reliable attacker and they are looking to ensure they have enough firepower for next season.
Meanwhile, the Magpies have secured Champions League football for next season. They are pushing for multiple signings in order to be competitive in both Premier League and UCL. And, Barnes was one of their targets. However, West Ham are ahead of Spurs and the Magpies in the race for his signatures.
Barnes has returned to his best since his injury and certainly belongs in the top flight. At 25, he is entering his prime and could prove to be a major player in the years to come. The signings of Gianluca Scamacca and Said Bewnrahma have not made the desired impact and an infusion of fresh blood could do the trick.
Having signed Danny Ings last January, bringing in Barnes to partner Bowen on the wings could provide the Hammers frontman with enough opportunities to do what he does best, score goals. A solid finisher, Barnes is also capable of having a pop or two at goal with reasonable success.
The Englishman is unlikely to be a world-beater but has all the credentials to be considered a difference-maker for West Ham. His dynamism and ability to link up well with his teammates should see him settle into Moyes’s setup with minimal fuss.
