'We understand each other’ - £38m star targets ‘connection’ with one Newcastle United teammate

Harvey Barnes is looking to build on his attacking partnership with Newcastle United talisman Alexander Isak this season.

A frustrating debut season for the former Leicester City man saw him spend most of the campaign on the sidelines. Barnes arrived for big bucks - £38million in total - but the Magpies are yet to see a return on their investment.

The 26-year-old showed glimpses of brilliance once he returned from a foot injury that ruled him out for four months. Most notably, Barnes bagged a stunning brace to complete a late 4-3 turnaround against West Ham United in May.

Isak also netted twice from the spot that day to silence faint doubts over Eddie Howe’s future. Now the Swede is set to stay despite speculation from Arsenal, Barnes hopes to forge a fruitful understanding with him in 2024-25.

“We’ve built that connection already,” he said. “We understand each other. Sometimes it’s almost easy because you give him the ball and he just does his bit of magic. 

“You feel like you’ve done your job and you haven’t done much. That’s rare to come across. He’s a very talented player, the sort you want to be playing with.”

Barnes faces stiff competition for a place in Howe’s side given Anthony Gordon’s preference to play wide left. Liverpool are reportedly weighing up a bid for the 23-year-old - although Toon chiefs remain confident he will stay at St James’ Park.

Gordon could make his Newcastle return this weekend against either Brest or Girona. The Magpies will feature in the annual Sela Cup, their final preparations ahead of the new Premier League campaign.