Newcastle close in on £35m winger - Player keen and deal 'expected to be agreed' - The Telegraph

Some big news has emerged from The Telegraph in the past few moments, who claim that Newcastle United look 'set to sign' Leicester's Harvey Barnes.

According to senior writer Matt Law, Newcastle are closing in on a deal for the Foxes winger and 'expected' to agree a deal in the region of £35m after stepping up their interest and identifying the attacker as Eddie Howe's top attacking target.

He reports that we've stolen a march on West Ham and Aston Villa - two clubs also keen on the 25-year-old - with a formal bid set to arrive in the coming days. Barnes is thought to be keen on a move to St James' Park and unlikely to have his head turned by any other offers following our qualification for the Champions League.

The Telegraph report that Leicester's previous asking price at around £60m put us off last summer. It's thought they're now demanding around £40m, but Toon chiefs believe a deal will be struck around the £35m mark.

Barnes scores 13 Premier League goals in a poor Leicester side last season and has weighed in with 60 goal involvements (35 goals and 25 assists) in 146 top flight appearances.