Manchester United could help Newcastle United seal major £40m summer transfer signing

Manchester United could aid Newcastle United’s pursuit of Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes.

The one-time England international has emerged as a top target for Eddie Howe. A transfer fee is yet to be agreed - the Foxes reportedly want £40m - but talks are ongoing.

Although Leicester are resigned to losing the winger, they’ll need to replace him - and that’s where Man United come in.

As reported by the Daily Mail, the Championship club have joined Sheffield United and Burnley in the race to sign Amad Diallo on loan.

The 21-year-old, who the Red Devils signed from Atalanta for £37million in 2019, is a player in demand after starring at Sunderland last season.

He established himself as a firm fans’ favourite after scoring 14 goals as the Black Cats reached the Championship play-offs.

That said, Erik ten Hag isn’t expected to make a decision on Diallo’s future until later this summer, while Barnes’ future is likely to be decided earlier.

The 25-year-old was coincidentally left out of the matchday squad for friendlies against Peterborough United and Northampton Town last week.

“At the moment Harvey is our player and he has been training with us,” said Leicester boss Enzo Marseca. “In the last few days he did not train because he has a small problem but he is fine. We will see what happens in the future.”

“I don’t know about the value,” he added. “I just judge the player and he is our player and has been doing sessions every day with us. He has been very good until he picked up a small problem.

“He was only able to return to training yesterday with us and that is why he was not here today. What happens in the future I do not know.”

Leicester travel to Thailand later this week for a pre-season tour with all eyes on whether or not Barnes will be included in the travelling party.