The Harvey Barnes to Newcastle United rumour is gathering pace.
It was reported earlier this summer that the Magpies were not going to target Barnes, but now the club have done a complete u-turn.
Eddie Howe is keen to add another left winger to his squad, and it sounds like the Leicester City winger is the number one candidate.
The Magpies face competition for the England international, with Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United also interested.
It has been claimed that Villa could have an advantage in this transfer tussle, but a new report from the Guardian claims it is Newcastle who are leading the way.
Newcastle lead the race to sign Harvey Barnes
According to the Guardian, Newcastle are currently leading the race to sign Barnes this summer.
The report adds that his £50million asking price could be slashed, with the Foxes needing to raise funds following their relegation from the Premier League to the Championship.
It all sounds very encouraging for the Magpies, who have already missed out on one Leicester player. James Maddison was a major target, but Howe’s side inevitably decided against a deal, which allowed Spurs to swoop in.
Hopefully the same does not happen with Barnes, as he could be a smart signing. While he is not a massively high profile name, he is a proven Premier League talent. He scored 13 times last season, which is impressive considering it was in a Leicester team that were relegated.
His speed and ability to cut inside makes him very dangerous, although he has been branded as ‘one-dimensional’ by TalkSPORT pundit Tony Cascarino. The former Aston Villa and Chelsea striker does not think Barnes is Champions League quality, which is where Newcastle will be next season.
That theory will be put to the test if he does move to Tyneside, with Newcastle currently favourites to secure Barnes’ signature.