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Matty Hewitt

Brendan Rodgers has told Newcastle two key qualities Harvey Barnes possesses Eddie Howe will love

Former Leicester city boss Brendan Rodgers has already told Newcastle United and Eddie Howe just why they'll love Harvey Barnes ahead of a reported move to Tyneside. The Magpies are reportedly on the verge of agreeing a £35million deal for the Foxes winger - who scored 13 goals in all competitions last season.

Barnes has attracted interest from a number of Premier League sides, including the Toon, West Ham United and Aston Villa. However, Newcastle are said to have stolen a march and look the most likely to sign the winger.

The 25-year-old was top goalscorer for the Foxes despite their relegation and has experience of European football from his time at the King Power - a key factor as Howe and co look ahead to their first Champions League campaign. It was during his Europa League tenure with Leicester in 2021 where Barnes really shone.

The one time England international scored against Napoli and grabbed an assist against the Italian giants in the opening game of the group. Heading into the second group game against then Polish champions Legia Warsaw, Rodgers outlined Barnes' key attributes that made him such a threat.

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He told reporters at his pre-match press conference: "He's a really talented player, so whether it's in the Premier League or in the Europa League, he's a threat. His speed on the counter is a particular attribute away from home. He'll always be a goal threat.

"He's shown a really high level, and people want to get tight to him and double press him. I'm sure he's only going to get better and better."

Barnes himself has not spoken about a move away from the King Power this summer, but his previous comments about competing in a European competition only highlights the lure of Newcastle and the Champions League. When asked about his bright start in Europe that season, Barnes said:"As we saw last year, you realise what a great tournament it is.

"I had some great games. To get my first goal of the season against Napoli and that was great. Someone made me aware of the stat. It'd be great to top that chart."

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