At the start of the summer, it looked like West Ham was Harvey Barnes’ most likely destination. Now it is Newcastle United who are leading the race to sign him.
The Leicester City winger has already agreed personal terms to join the Magpies, after it emerged last week that Eddie Howe’s side were the favourites to secure his services.
That was a blow for West Ham, who were the frontrunners at the beginning of June. They were expecting a huge cash windfall from Declan Rice, and were going to use some of that money on Barnes.
Now we are nearly halfway through July and Rice’s move away is being held up, meaning West Ham are yet to receive their financial boost from selling their captain for a British record fee.
That appears to have allowed Newcastle to swoop in, who look likely to bring Barnes to St James’ Park.
David Moyes will be disappointed to miss out, but could have an immediate chance to get revenge on the Magpies.
West Ham interested in Newcastle target Tyler Adams
According to the Daily Mail, West Ham want to sign a physical holding midfielder, which could see them make a move for Leeds United star Tyler Adams.
The £20million man is available following their relegation to the Championship, and has actually been linked with a move to Newcastle.
Adams is a player who the Magpies really admire, having impressed in a Leeds shirt when they visited the North East last season.
He is someone who could be a smart addition on Tyneside, but talk of a move has died down since Sandro Tonali’s arrival. Newcastle do want another centre midfielder, but it does not appear to be a priority at the moment.
That means that West Ham have the chance to do to Newcastle what Newcastle did to West Ham. They have the opportunity to swoop in and secure a player who the Magpies have targeted.
It probably would not hurt Newcastle as much as missing out on Barnes will hurt West Ham, but Adams is a player who could be a real hit in the North East. He is a versatile midfielder who could provide cover for Bruno Guimaraes, or even free up the Brazilian to play in a more advanced role. In that respect, missing out on him would be bad news.
As for the Hammers, it would be a positive move for a side that desperately need to replace Arsenal-bound Declan Rice.
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