Newcastle lead race to sign £50m man but deal could depend on Saint-Maximin - The Guardian

According to The Guardian, Newcastle are now ‘leading the race’ to sign Leicester’s Harvey Barnes - but any move could depend on Allan Saint-Maximin.

The report states that Eddie Howe is keen to bring in another left winger this summer. However, it's thought ASM would need to be sold to create room for another left-sided attacker, with Saudi Pro League sides showing interest in the Frenchman.

Aston Villa, Spurs and West Ham have also shown serious interest in Barnes, yet it's believed Newcastle’s Champions League status could be a deciding factor should we make our move for the 25-year-old.

Former Foxes teammate James Maddison ended up at Tottenham, but they are unlikely to pursue a deal for Barnes now Manor Solomon looks set to join the North London side.

Leicester had been demanding £50m for Barnes, but their asking price is expected to drop, with the player keen to secure a new challenge after suffering relegation to the Championship.

It would be a shame to see Saint-Maximin leave, but we do have a host of options down the left, with Joelinton, Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon all operating on that flank over the final weeks of the 2022/23 season. With this in mind, along with our limited budget and need for a right winger, left-back and right-sided centre-back, perhaps Howe will consider selling ASM if that funds a move for Barnes; who bagged 13 goals in a poor Leicester side last season.