Aston Villa & West Ham transfer target pictured at Newcastle United

Harvey Barnes has seemingly been pictured at St James’ Park ahead of completing his £38million move to Newcastle United.

An image has emerged on social media of Barnes standing pitchside accompanied by those closest to him. Although the quality of the photo raises some doubts, the person standing in the white jacket does admittedly look like Barnes.

The 25-year-old is on Tyneside and is expected at Newcastle’s Darsley Park training centre later this afternoon to finalise his £38million move from Leicester City.

Once completed, the winger will link up with his new teammates in the United States for the Premier League Summer Series where they face Aston Villa, Chelsea and Brighton and Hove Albion.

Barnes was again absent from Leicester’s squad for yesterday’s behind-closed-doors friendly win against Belgian side OH Leuven. As per Leicester’s website, Barnes is “not match ready” having also missed games versus Peterborough United and Northampton Town.

He has attracted interest from West Ham United and Aston Villa but Newcastle has always been his preferred destination because of the opportunity to play Champions League football this season.

NewcastleWorld understands the one-time England international has been preparing for the move for a couple of weeks now having already viewed properties in the North East.

Barnes’ imminent arrival is set to coincide with the departure of popular winger Allan Saint-Maximin, who is close to joining Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli.