‘Negotiations underway’ — Newcastle United ‘hope to agree deal’ for £40 million-valued winger

Since their relegation to the Championship, clubs have been scouring Leicester City’s squad to offer their key players a move back to top flight football. James Maddison has already made the switch to Tottenham Hotspur, and Youri Tielemans joined Aston Villa on a free transfer. Now, Newcastle United are in pursuit of Harvey Barnes.

Several clubs have had their names linked to the winger but the Magpies have emerged as front-runners to snap him up this window. The Telegraph has reported that Newcastle are closing in on agreeing terms with Barnes and ‘hope to agree a deal’ with Leicester in the coming week.

Fabrizio Romano has corroborated this latest update and has posted further information on Twitter. The deal is not yet tied up as there are still some details to be clarified but talks are “well advanced” at this stage.

“Negotiations are underway for Harvey Barnes to Newcastle. Discussions are ongoing — player keen on the move, Eddie Howe wants Barnes,” the transfer expert wrote.

Leicester have been holding out for a sum of £40 million for the sale of Barnes but the Toon are reportedly hoping to pay closer to the £35 million mark.

West Ham and Aston Villa were also keen on the Foxes star — and other Premier League clubs were also loosely mentioned at one point or another — but now Newcastle have taken control of the situation as they look to build on their impressive run last season. Howe guided his team to a fourth-place finish and snubbed Liverpool of a spot in the Champions League by doing so.

However, the Reds are strengthening their weak areas this transfer window, and both Manchester United and Arsenal are also adding to their ranks. Newcastle are aware they need to keep up with the pack if they want to continue to challenge at the top of the table next season.

Howe has already brought in Yankuba Minteh, who has gone straight out on loan to Feyenoord, and the £55 million signing of Sandro Tonali.