Newcastle ‘working on’ transfer swoop for Leicester ace Harvey Barnes amid asking price revelation

Harvey Barnes has become the latest winger to be linked with a transfer to Newcastle United, although the reported asking price from Leicester City may be off-putting.

Newcastle want to find a winger to give them another dimension in attack. There has been a burden on Allan Saint-Maximin while players like Miguel Almiron have been out of form. Hence, Newcastle have been hoping to use their wealth to increase their options.

However, they are being careful not to overspend, which has decreased their prospects of taking Anthony Gordon from Everton. Although he remains on their radar, it seems they are expanding their shortlist.

According to The Sun, one man they have their eyes on is Leicester star Harvey Barnes. He reached double figures of goals and assists last season, when taking all competitions into account.

Although yet to add to his sole England cap from October 2020, Barnes remains highly thought of. His contract with Leicester is due to run until 2025.

However, Newcastle could consider trying their luck to prise him away before then. To get their man, though, they could have to pay a £50m asking price.

Such a sale would represent excellent business for Leicester, who developed Barnes in their academy from the age of nine. That said, they may prefer to keep him among their own ranks to see if he can help them improve on last season’s eighth-place finish.

Newcastle only finished three points behind Leicester last season. However, they did so with a goal difference that was worse off by 21; the bulk of the gap was because of a difference in the goals scored column.

Therefore, if Newcastle want to show their ambition and catch clubs like Leicester, they may benefit from adding more goals into their team. Whether the Foxes would want to sell to a direct rival is another question.

If Newcastle can’t sign Barnes, The Sun believe they could go back in for Leeds United wide man Jack Harrison. He could be cheaper than the Burnley-born ace and other target Gordon, even if Leeds won’t be letting another important player leave on the cheap themselves.

Harvey Barnes would benefit Newcastle United

Barnes has been building a promising career and at the age of 24 has some exciting years ahead of him. Whether he will be spending them at the King Power Stadium or St James’ Park remains to be seen.

If he was to make a move to Tyneside, Barnes would be a useful player for Eddie Howe to work with. His existing experience in the Premier League should set him up for success.

The only potential doubt would be that he prefers to play on the left wing, which is the same territory that Saint-Maximin favours. However, the latter could always switch to a central attacking midfield role.

But there would be nothing wrong with staying at Leicester from Barnes’ perspective. He has played in Europe with them before; although that is not on offer this season, Leicester have established themselves at a good level, which he may want to be a part of still.

However, The Sun say there are still doubts about Barnes’ future under Brendan Rodgers. If he has to leave, then even if he could be capable of progressing at a higher level, maybe Newcastle wouldn’t be too much of a step down.

READ MORE: Pundit reveals why Newcastle should pay bumper fee and bring Ivan Toney back to St James’ Park