Here is your latest 4am Newcastle United transfer digest.
Barnes and Saint-Maximin
Eddie Howe's side look to be winning the race to sign Leicester City forward Harvey Barnes. Numerous reports suggest Newcastle have edged ahead of both Aston Villa and West Ham, with the 25-year-old said to be keen on a move to St James' Park.
Now, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has provided an update suggesting Barnes' transfer could be completed within the next 7-10 days if 'all goes to plan'. The potential arrival of the Foxes winger provokes inevitable questions over Allan Saint-Maximin's future, following on from his cryptic social media post earlier this summer.
Howe is keen to continue working with the number 10, but Romano's report is the latest which suggests the club will be open to offers for the forward. Romano describes Saint-Maximin's exit as a 'possibility' which is being discussed by the club's hierarchy in his latest Caught Offside column.
Wharton race
The Magpies are one of a number of Premier League sides credited with an interest in Blackburn Rovers prospect Adam Wharton. The 19-year-old has become a first-team regular at Ewood Park, and could now command a fee in the region of £15 million according to the Sun.
Everton are said to be among the frontrunners for a deal, with the report insisting Sean Dyche is determined to 'win the race' for the midfielder. The Toffees are close to agreeing the sale of Ellis Simms to Coventry City, while Amadou Onana is the subject of transfer interest elsewhere with West Ham linked.
Despite Newcastle's qualification for the Champions League, the report goes on to suggest Everton may have the 'better sales pitch' for Wharton. The Magpies see the midfielder as one for the future, while Dyche is hoping to tempt the teenager with the prospect of Premier League football this season.
