Newcastle leads race to secure Harvey Barnes from Leicester City
Star player absent from Leicester City training, speculation mounts of exit
Barnes is expected to leave Leicester following their relegation from the Premier League
Newcastle United have emerged as the frontrunners in the pursuit of Leicester City’s Harvey Barnes, amid competition from Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur, and West Ham United.
Eddie Howe, the manager of Newcastle, is determined to strengthen his squad with a new left-winger, and Barnes is at the top of his wishlist. The potential departure of Allan Saint-Maximin, who has attracted interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro League, could open the door for Newcastle to secure Barnes’ signature.
Newcastle has already bolstered their midfield with the acquisition of Sandro Tonali from AC Milan, and now Howe’s focus is on reinforcing their attacking options. Barnes, who holds a valuation of £50 million, is expected to depart Leicester following their relegation from the Premier League.
During the previous season, Howe frequently utilised Alexander Isak, Miguel Almirón, Saint-Maximin, and Anthony Gordon in wide positions. While Saint-Maximin brings excitement to the team, his inconsistency has been a concern, and parting ways with him would provide Newcastle with additional financial resources for transfers.
The exact transfer fee Leicester will demand for Barnes remains uncertain, especially after their recent sale of James Maddison to Tottenham for £40 million. Initial reports suggested that Leicester would seek £50 million for the 25-year-old winger, but they might be willing to accept a lower fee considering their relegation to the Championship.
West Ham United has also shown interest in Barnes as they aim to reinforce their left side. Manager David Moyes, who is expected to have substantial funds at his disposal following the anticipated departure of Declan Rice to Arsenal for £105 million, admires Barnes for his goal-scoring ability, having netted 13 goals last season.
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West Ham’s current left-wing options, including Saïd Benrahma, Maxwel Cornet, and Pablo Fornals, all face uncertain futures. Cornet has struggled with injuries since joining from Burnley last summer and is reportedly available for sale, Fornals has only one year remaining on his contract, and Benrahma might be enticed by a new challenge.
While West Ham and Aston Villa are set to participate in European competitions next season (Europa League and Europa Conference League, respectively), Newcastle’s potential inclusion in the Champions League could play a decisive role in their pursuit of Barnes.
Tottenham’s chances of signing Barnes seem less likely as they are close to finalising a deal for Israel winger Manor Solomon from Maccabi Petah Tikva. Additionally, Newcastle is actively pursuing the signing of Southampton right-back Tino Livramento, showcasing their ambition to strengthen the squad for the upcoming campaign.READE MORE
Peterborough continue a hectic programme of away matches when they make the short trip to Leicester on Thursday (7.30pm
Meanwhile last Thursday Richie Worrall, Ben Cook and Jordan Jenkins competed in the Premiership Pairs and proved to be the surprise packages as they finished runners-up with Worrall putting in a magnificent performance.
Having had two spells with the Lions earlier in his career, Worrall dropped just one point in six qualifying races before he and Cook lost out to Belle Vue duo Dan Bewley and Brady Kurtz in the Final
Boss Rob Lyon names an unchanged line-up from the Sheffield match, meaning Worrall continues at No.2, and it will be another new circuit for Vadim Tarasenko who has adapted well to the Premiership tracks so far.
Skipper Hans Andersen is another ex-Leicester rider and could have a big part to play at reserve, having been happier with his own form at Owlerton before the abandonment.
The home side are up in third place in the league table and have been on a consistent run on their own circuit, with their play-off challenge significantly boosted by recent away wins at King’s Lynn and Sheffield.
They have made one change to the team faced by Panthers in the Round 1 fixtures, with Drew Kemp taking over in the Rising Star berth for Dan Thompson.
Andersen said: “When we were there earlier in the season we actually pushed them pretty well, and we go there with the ‘superstar’ Worrall who seems to be nearly unbeatable there!
“Vadim is a quality rider, he got round Ipswich and scored some points, so it will probably take him a ride, maybe two at Leicester, but he’ll be fine.”
Panthers have another away match on Monday when they travel to King’s Lynn, before returning to the East of England Arena next Thursday (July 13) to take on Sheffield.
LEICESTER: Max Fricke, Justin Sedgmen, Richard Lawson, Chris Harris, Nick Morris, Jake Allen, Drew Kemp.
PETERBOROUGH: Niels-Kristian Iversen, Richie Worrall, Benjamin Basso, Ben Cook, Vadim Tarasenko, Hans Andersen, Jordan Jenkins.
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