Harvey Barnes is interested in signing for Newcastle United this summer.
That is according to Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie, who has provided an update on Newcastle‘s bid to bring Barnes to Tyneside.
‘Bid’ is perhaps the wrong word, as Downie does not believe that an official bid has actually been made as of yet for the Leicester City winger.
Interest in Barnes ramped up last week, which led to reports that the Magpies were closing in on a deal for the 25-year-old.
It has created a lot of debate among fans. Some are not convinced that he is the type of player we should be signing ahead of the Champions League, while others believe he would be an astute addition.
I fall into the latter camp, and it looks like Eddie Howe feels the same.
What Eddie Howe likes about Harvey Barnes
Downie has provided some new details about Newcastle’s move to sign Barnes via his official Twitter account.
He has stated that a bid has not been made yet, although it is his ‘understanding’ that the England international is ‘keen’ on joining the Magpies.
Downie has added that Howe is a big fan of Barnes for two reasons: his direct running and his goal involvement.
He wrote on Twitter: “My understanding of the Harvey Barnes situation is both Newcastle & the player are keen — however an agreement between clubs as it stands isn’t close. #NUFC have registered interest in the 25yo but a lot of work to do & potential transfer is in early stages. No bid had been made at this stage. Eddie Howe, though, is a big fan of Barnes’ direct running and goal involvement.”
Still work for Newcastle to do
While there is a lot of excitement about Barnes possibly becoming Newcastle’s second senior signing of the summer, it looks like there is still work to do.
As always, the fee will be the stumbling block. It was claimed over the weekend that the Magpies were going to make an opening offer worth £25million. Now that would be a great deal for Newcastle, but it is difficult to see Leicester selling for that amount – especially when other clubs are also keen.
The Foxes will hope interest from West Ham and Aston Villa leads to a bidding war, which will likely mean Newcastle are unlikely to grab a bargain.
A fee of £35million was initially floated late last week, and that sounds much more likely. It is still a lot of money, but you pay a premium for English players, and Barnes is considered a proven Premier League talent.
He scored 13 goals for Leicester last season, drifting inside off the left flank onto his stronger right foot and finding the net with precision.
He is an incredibly quick player who is clinical in front of goal, and that is why Howe wants him to sign for Newcastle United. Hopefully the manager gets what he wants.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
