Aston Villa & West Ham transfer target ‘accepts’ Newcastle United move ahead of likely talks

Newcastle United are considering a move for Harvey Barnes after registering their interest in the Leicester City winger.

After finalising Sandro Tonali’s £52million move from AC Milan last week, the Magpies are on the lookout for their second major signing of the summer.

It’s widely known that Barnes is hugely admired by United head coach Eddie Howe, and reports over the weekend claimed Newcastle are ready to step up their pursuit.

However, as it stands, Newcastle are yet to open formal talks with Leicester, who reportedly value the one-time England international around the £40million mark.

Should discussions advance, it’s likely United will try to negotiate below that figure and the Foxes may be forced to accept following their relegation from the Premier League.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the 25-year-old has already “accepted” St James’ Park as a potential destination.

Not only would the winger seal an immediate return to the Premier League but he’d also play Champions League football for the first time in his career.

As well as Newcastle, Aston Villa, West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur have also shown interest in Barnes, with the latter previously launching a joint bid for him and James Maddison.

The Magpies are fairly well-stocked in favoured Barnes’ left-wing position with Anthony Gordon, who signed from Everton for £40m in January, Joelinton, Allan Saint-Maximin and Elliot Anderson to call upon.

That said, Barnes’ 35 goals and 25 assists during his 146 Premier League games is significantly higher than those players mentioned above.

Barnes is currently back in pre-season training with Leicester, who kick off their Championship season on the first weekend of August at home to Coventry City.