Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes is reportedly interested in joining Newcastle United this summer, despite interest from Aston Villa.
Newcastle United are widely expected to seal a deal in the region of £35 million for Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes after stepping up their interest and identifying the attacker as Eddie Howe’s top attacking target. According to Football Insider, the player himself is keen on moving to St. James’ Park this summer, snubbing interest from Aston Villa.
Preparing for life in the UEFA Champions League is the next step for Howe and Newcastle’s recruitment team. Although their first eleven are well capable of competing in Europe’s elite competition, the increased number of fixtures could take a toll and put the squad depth to the test.
A £55 million midfield signing from AC Milan, Sandro Tonali, recently arrived through the door at St James’ Park. But more quality reinforcements are needed to plug the gaping holes in the current squad.
Eddie Howe is eager to improve his winger ranks, and long-term target Moussa Diaby remains on his radar. But at the moment, it seems Newcastle United are pushing to capture Barnes from Leicester City instead due to his experience in the Premier League.
The Leicester City winger is set for a swift return to the Premier League after the Foxes’ relegation at the end of last season, where he scored 13 goals. The 25-year-old has been with Leicester since he was just nine years old, spending three loan spells away from the club at MK Dons, Barnsley, and West Brom.
He has emerged as a big player for the Foxes over the last four seasons, making 187 appearances for the East Midlands club and racking up 77 goal contributions (45 goals, 32 assists). He also picked up one England cap in 2020 against Wales in the process.
There is no doubt that it was a disastrous campaign for Leicester City, which ultimately resulted in their demotion. But Barnes was perhaps one of their better performers. He scored 13 Premier League goals, more than any other player for the Foxes.
With two years remaining on his current deal, Leicester would ideally want up to £40 million for Barnes. But they might have to lower their expectations as a second-tier club now, so Newcastle may be able to iron out a reasonable deal.
The 25-year-old is one of the quickest, most direct wingers in the league and knows where the back of the net is. He would provide an additional goal threat from the left side of the attack, something they currently lack, so the signing of Barnes could be a smart one for Newcastle.
Aston Villa, who were once thought to be in one of the best positions to sign the winger, will be frustrated with the latest updates around Barnes. Like Newcastle, the West Midlands side are looking to bulk up their squad ahead of the next campaign as they look to meet the demands of Conference League football.
Barnes would have slotted straight into the starting XI, providing competition for Leon Bailey and Emiliano Buendia. There was still a glimmer of hope for the Lions if they could outbid Newcastle. But with the player himself pushing for a Tyneside move, a potential hijack looks highly unlikely.
