Newcastle United now lead race to sign ‘unbelievable’ English player

That is according to The Guardian, who claim that Newcastle are now favourites to sign Barnes this summer.

It’s suggested that Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United are all interested in signing Barnes.

Newcastle are the team really emerging from the pack though and could lure Barnes to St James’ Park this summer.

The Magpies have already snapped up Sandro Tonali from AC Milan in a deal which many thought would eat up a big part of their budget.

There appears to be enough left in the bank for Barnes though with Newcastle looking to benefit from Leicester’s relegation.

Newcastle were heavily linked with James Maddison before his move to Tottenham Hotspur, but it could be his former Foxes teammate Barnes who ends up in the North East.

Harvey Barnes could replace Allan Saint-Maximin at Newcastle United

The timing of the new Barnes rumours comes just as speculation emerges about Allan Saint-Maximin.

90Min reported earlier this week that Saint-Maximin is wanted by clubs in Saudi Arabia.

Everton and Crystal Palace are also keen but a move to Saudi Arabia may well be facilitated by PIF, who now own Al Nassr, Al Hilal, Al Ittihad and Al Ahli.

Saint-Maximin just hasn’t quite nailed down a spot under Eddie Howe, starting only 12 Premier League games last season.

The Frenchman has flair and magic but maybe doesn’t quite have the end product and application that Howe seeks.

Then there is Barnes, who is almost the opposite; a hard-worker, powerful runner, strong finisher but not quite as fast or unpredictable as Saint-Maximin.

The 25-year-old hit 13 goals despite Leicester’s relegation and can make and instant impact on the left of Newcastle’s attack.

Hailed as an ‘unbelievable player’ by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, Barnes may not be seen as super exciting for Newcastle fans but he can consistently contribute in the final third – just what the Magpies want moving forward.

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