Newcastle United transfer target Harvey Barnes left out of squad as Leicester City explain absence

Harvey Barnes sat out of Leicester City’s behind-closed-doors-friendly with Peterborough United earlier this afternoon as transfer links to Newcastle United intensify.

NewcastleWorld understands the 25-year-old is keen on a move to St James’ Park this summer after the Magpies’ interest in the one-time England international was made public over the weekend.

United, as it stands, are yet to hold official talks with Leicester, who reportedly value the winger around the £40million mark, but they expected to commence soon.

Leicester suggested Barnes’ absence had nothing to do with the ongoing speculation as the official website stated he was “rested”. Foxes boss Enzo Maresca played two different XIs in each half with Peterborough emerging as 2-1 winners.

Maresca’s side face Northampton Town on Saturday before heading to Thailand for pre-season, the same time Newcastle are in the United States for the Premier League Summer Series.

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.

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

The Daily Telegraph reported earlier this week that Saint-Maximin could be sold amid interest from Saudi Arabia and other European clubs.