Newcastle land £38m deal for Eddie Howe favourite as Saint-Maximin nears Saudi exit
Newcastle have reached an agreement with Leicester City to sign Harvey Barnes with the winger set to join Eddie Howe’s side this summer.
Despite Leicester’s campaign ultimately ending in relegation, Barnes still showcased his class throughout the season.
The 25-year-old scored 13 goals and had a handful of standout moments in an otherwise forgettable season for Leicester.
Barnes has shown his Premier League pedigree over the years and it’s no surprise a manager like Howe has seen the value in him.
According to David Ornstein, Newcastle have agreed a deal with Leicester and a deal is now expected to go through.
“Newcastle United have today reached agreement with Leicester City to sign Harvey Barnes,” Ornstein confirmed on Twitter.
“Deal for 25yo winger worth in region of £38m. Personal terms won’t be a problem. Another key target of head coach Eddie Howe landed.”
A deal for Barnes could accelerate Allan Saint-Maximin’s exit as the French winger continues to be linked with a move to Al Ahli.
“He’s in early discussions over a potential move away,” Howe clarified when discussing Saint-Maximin’s future.
“It’s doubtful he’ll join us on the tour of America. I don’t think Maxi necessarily wants to leave, but he may feel it’s the right time for him to move.
“It’s difficult for me to speak for him, but he hasn’t asked to leave. There’s been no issue between him and any of us coaches. We all love him.
“If he does leave, we’d lose him with a very heavy heart. He’s someone we love working with, he’s a difference-maker, we’ve really had a strong working relationship, and it’ll be sad if he leaves.”
Based on their output from last season, Barnes would represent an obvious upgrade on Saint-Maximin.
While the French winger can be box-office on his day, he only chipped in with six-goal contributions last season, whereas Barnes more than doubled that tally.
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