By admin 
Harvey Barnes of Leicester City has been linked with a transfer away from the King Power Stadium this summer.
Last season, the 25-year-old was a standout player for City in a challenging campaign. Barnes scored 13 goals in 34 league games for Leicester City, who were relegated from the Premier League.
And, as Leicester prepares for life in the Championship next season, his exploits in a Leicester shirt have apparently piqued the interest of a number of Premier League clubs.
Newcastle is ‘getting closer’
The Times claim a move to the Magpies is a “significant step closer.” Eddie Howe’s transfer team are said to have engaged in “fresh talks” over the past 24 hours to conclude a deal. The report suggests a £35m fee could be agreed “this week” for the 25-year-old.
The player himself is widely reported as being keen on a Newcastle move, and the hold up on a deal has been trying to reach agreement on a transfer fee. According to the Times, Newcastle hope to land their man for £25m to £30m, while Leicester have been hoping for more like £40m plus.
The “agreed” £35m transfer is likely to also feature potential add-ons that could boost City’s return on the academy graduate if the move proves a success.
Man Utd and West Ham interest
MailOnline have claimed that West Ham and Manchester United “also like” the City winger. However, it is Newcastle who have “done the groundwork” on a potential move for Barnes.
They suggest a sticking point has emerged with the Magpies, the moneybags club said to be “struggling to meet Barnes valuation”., a claim more likely to revolve around FFP concerns rather than a lack of money in the bank. The Mail claims budgetary restrictions mean a bid to match Leicester’s valuation of Barnes “may not be so swift in the making”.
In the meantime, Newcastle are said to be looking to offload players to offset their spending. It is claimed Allan Saint-Maximin “has been discussed” as a potential departure, but there is no clear exit for the Frenchman as it stands.
City ‘will not be held to ransom’
According to BBC Sport, a move to Newcastle is slow-moving as Leicester do not want to be “held to ransom” over a transfer fee.
They have already sold James Maddison to Tottenham for £40m, with other players are likely to head for the exit door during the transfer window in addition to Barnes. And while City are keen on the cash to finance rebuilding of their squad under Enzo Maresca, the BBC claim Maddison’s sale has given them breathing space.
Leicester get their pre-season fixture schedule under way at Northampton Town this week, while Newcastle travel to Gateshead. It remains to be seen where Barnes will be playing at the weekend.
What the fans are saying
Leicester City supporters are divided over Barnes’ future. Some believe the club will struggle to afford his wages if he stays. Others think Newcastle should stump up a realistic fee. He is a sample of their views from social media…
The Doctor: £60 million or keep him. His salary are reasonable, and he should fare well against the league’s slower players. He’s also under contract for a few more years, so let the local lad fire us back up where we belong.
Newcastle is ‘getting closer’
According to the Times, a move to the Magpies is a “significant step closer.” Eddie Howe’s transfer team is alleged to have held “fresh talks” in the last 24 hours in order to finalize a deal. According to the source, a cost of £35 million might be agreed upon “this week” for the 25-year-old.
The player himself is widely reported as being keen on a Newcastle move, and the hold up on a deal has been trying to reach agreement on a transfer fee. According to the Times, Newcastle hope to land their man for £25m to £30m, while Leicester have been hoping for more like £40m plus.
The “agreed” £35m transfer is likely to also feature potential add-ons that could boost City’s return on the academy graduate if the move proves a success.
Man Utd and West Ham interest
MailOnline have claimed that West Ham and Manchester United “also like” the City winger. However, it is Newcastle who have “done the groundwork” on a potential move for Barnes.
They suggest a sticking point has emerged with the Magpies, the moneybags club said to be “struggling to meet Barnes valuation”., a claim more likely to revolve around FFP concerns rather than a lack of money in the bank. The Mail claims budgetary restrictions mean a bid to match Leicester’s valuation of Barnes “may not be so swift in the making”.
In the meantime, Newcastle are said to be looking to offload players to offset their spending. It is claimed Allan Saint-Maximin “has been discussed” as a potential departure, but there is no clear exit for the Frenchman as it stands.