According to The Guardian, Newcastle are now ‘leading the race’ to sign Leicester’s Harvey Barnes – but any move could depend on Allan Saint-Maximin.
The report states that Eddie Howe is keen to bring in another left winger this summer. However, it’s thought ASM would need to be sold to create room for another left-sided attacker, with Saudi Pro League sides showing interest in the Frenchman.
Aston Villa, Spurs and West Ham have also shown serious interest in Barnes, yet it’s believed Newcastle’s Champions League status could be a deciding factor should we make our move for the 25-year-old.
Former Foxes teammate James Maddison ended up at Tottenham, but they are unlikely to pursue a deal for Barnes now Manor Solomon looks set to join the North London side.
Leicester had been demanding £50m for Barnes, but their asking price is expected to drop, with the player keen to secure a new challenge after suffering relegation to the Championship.
It would be a shame to see Saint-Maximin leave, but we do have a host of options down the left, with Joelinton, Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon all operating on that flank over the final weeks of the 2022/23 season. With this in mind, along with our limited budget and need for a right winger, left-back and right-sided centre-back, perhaps Howe will consider selling ASM if that funds a move for Barnes; who bagged 13 goals in a poor Leicester side last season.
Personally, I want to see Maxi in this new side, not being triple marked and making things happen as only he can. Much as I like Miggy with his energy and purple patch I feel that the Right side needs strengthening more than the left.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Agreed on the right side needs more … Harvey barnes is not an upgrade on what we have and certainly not on st maxim.., this is again just click bait posing as news
Mike(Quote)
Just looking at Maxi’s stats.
Newcastle – 12 goals in 111 appearances.
In his career 32 in 260.
And his assist record is not very impressive either. Well, not enough to make us forget about his Shola-esque scoring rate.
We need someone with more end product.
I can see why he gives away watches.
BykerBill(Quote)
Barnes never worth these stupid amounts being talked about..i watch him every week,you all see 10 mins on m.o.t.d.
40 50 mill bring it on done deal,
cant defend lazy,scores a good goal every 3 games whoopie, wait till you watch him he does very little. .
please buy him!!
lcfc till i die.
Andrew oconnor(Quote)