Newcastle United transfer twist as £35m transfer target missing from matchday squad

Newcastle United transfer target Harvey Barnes was left out of Leicester City’s matchday squad for the second time in a week.

After being “rested” for the Foxes’ behind-closed-doors friendly against Peterborough United on Tuesday, the 25-year-old missed yesterday’s 1-0 friendly win at Northampton Town because of a “small problem” according to manager Enzo Marseca.

“Harvey had some problems in the last days and the reason he was not here was for that,” Marseca said.

He added: “At the moment Harvey is our player and he has been training with us. 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.

The Magpies have shown strong interest in Barnes but are yet to make a breakthrough in negotiations with Leicester, who reportedly value the winger at £40million.

NewcastleWorld understands Barnes is keen on a move to St James’ Park this summer. Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe was asked about Barnes after Saturday’s pre-season opener at Gateshead but refused to comment.

“I don’t know about the value,” said Marseca. “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 could accept around £35m for Barnes but Howe warned that Newcastle are battling against Financial Fair Play restrictions.

“We have a very strict budget that we’re trying to work within,” Howe said. “Always with FFP, there are certain things you can be creative on but we don’t have a huge budget to work with.

“It’s huge for us this year [squad depth]. With the competitions that we’re in, having three games a week we need to be able to rotate the team but to be able to bring in players who are of equal standard.

“That’s what we’re looking to do but we know we have a lot of work to do to do that. Players are expensive these days. We’re working within FFP guidelines which is very difficult for us. We might need to be creative, but we’re trying to look at every avenue we can to make the club stronger.”