Newcastle are close to beating Aston Villa and West Ham to the signing of the Leicester winger, Harvey Barnes.
Eddie Howe wants to increase his options on the left wing and Newcastle are expected to win the race for Barnes, who is likely to cost around £35m. West Ham had been in pole position to land the winger, with Villa also in contention, but have been focused on the sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal and have not moved quickly enough.
Howe often used Alexander Isak, Miguel Almirón, Allan Saint-Maximin and Anthony Gordon in the wide positions last season. Newcastle could make space for Barnes by selling Saint-Maximin, who has interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro League, and need to add depth as they prepare to compete in the Champions League. They have already strengthened in midfield by signing Sandro Tonali from Milan.
Leicester have been resigned to losing Barnes since their relegation from the Premier League. They had hoped to receive £50m for the England international, who scored 13 goals last season, but are likely to have to settle for less. Newcastle had a bid rejected for the 25-year-old last summer.
Leicester have already brought in £40m after selling James Maddison to Tottenham. They have prepared for life in the Championship by signing Harry Winks and Conor Coady.
West Ham are looking for more quality on the left and have held talks over moving for Barnes. They are ready to listen to offers for Saïd Benrahma, Maxwel Cornet and Pablo Fornals, but they have not been decisive enough in their pursuit of Barnes. Villa’s interest has been more tentative. Spurs have also tracked Barnes. Barring a late twist, though, the attacker will be heading to the north east next week.
