Pundit backs Newcastle’s decision not to sign Leicester City speedster

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Newcastle United have been linked with a move for Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes, but now the Magpies have no plans to sign the 25-year-old.

Barnes looks set to leave Leicester following their relegation to the Championship, and it had been reported that he could make the move to St James’ Park.

However, that no longer appears to be the case. It has been claimed that Newcastle have decided they have no need for Barnes, as they expect Anthony Gordon to develop into a key player next season.

The Magpies will therefore look elsewhere for reinforcements, as they prepare to compete in the Champions League after finishing in the top four.

Eddie Howe needs to find players who can both bolster his squad and compete in Europe’s elite competition, which is easier said than done.

And that is why former Republic of Ireland forward Tony Cascarino has suggested that Newcastle are right not to make a move for Barnes this summer.

Harvey Barnes is not Champions League quality

Cascarino has spoke to TalkSPORT about Barnes’ Leicester future, and admitted that the winger is not good enough to play in the Champions League.

“Harvey Barnes is slightly different (to Maddison) because he’s a bit one-dimensional,” he said.

“But he gets good numbers. He wants to just go past a fullback and drive into the 18-yard box. He has a nice left foot and he likes hitting things early.

“Again, would you put him in a team that’s in the Champions League? If you are asking for Champions League money, then they have to be in Champions League teams.

“As much as I like Harvey Barnes, I don’t think he is a Champions League player, at this moment.”

Newcastle looking elsewhere

While Cascarino might not think Barnes is Champions League quality, that does not mean he can’t be in the future. If he were to work with Howe, he would no doubt improve and take his game to the next level.

However, Newcastle are right not to make a move for the England international. He is a brilliant player, but the Magpies already have plenty of options on the left of attack. They invested a huge amount of money in Gordon at the start of the year, and the club clearly have high hopes for him.

As well as Gordon, Howe can also play Allan Saint-Maximin, Alexander Isak and Joelinton on the left of attack. Therefore, a move for Barnes would be a waste of money – especially with the Foxes wanting a fee in the region of £40million.