Newcastle on the verge of signing 'top target' Harvey Barnes from Leicester

Newcastle United are set to make their third signing of the summer, according to reports, as they close in on a deal to buy Harvey Barnes from Leicester City.

The Magpies have already made some impressive moves in the transfer window ahead of their first Champions League campaign since 2003.

Yankuba Minteh, the highly-rated Gambian forward, was brought in from Danish side Odense for £5.8 million. He will be sent straight out on loan to Feyenoord ahead of the new campaign.

And earlier this week, Italy international Sandro Tonali penned a five-year deal at St James' Park, with a deal said to be worth £55 million plus add-ons.

Now, it appears Eddie Howe is about to capture his so-called 'top target'.

The Telegraph suggest Newcastle are 'closing in' on a deal to sign Harvey Barnes from recently-relegated Leicester City.

Barnes, who scored 13 goals in 40 appearances for the Foxes last season, is 'keen' to join the Magpies, who have made 'significant progress' in negotiations this week.

It appears the only factor that needs to be agreed upon is the price. Leicester are thought to value the player at £40 million, while Newcastle want to pay closer to £35 million.

That being said, a deal is expected to be finalised, with West Ham's move being held up by Declan Rice's move to Arsenal and Aston Villa stalling in their interest.

The lure of Champions League football will, of course, be an attractive proposition for Barnes, who was one of Leicester's standout performers last season.

Barnes joined the Leicester City academy aged nine before progressing through the youth ranks.

He made his debut for the club in their Champions League defeat to FC Porto in 2016 before spending time on loan at MK Dons, Barnsley and West Brom.

He signed a four-year deal at the King Power in 2021 and became a first-team regular at Leicester, making over 150 appearances.

Here's how social media reacted to the news that Newcastle are closing in on a deal to sign Barnes.

One said: "It might not feel like it to some, but this is definitely a Champions League quality signing. Harvey Barnes is a player I've adored for years. I'd be absolutely buzzing to have him at #NUFC."

Another commented: "Harvey Barnes is an upgrade on all of our wingers in productivity. Some saying he is not a good signing is CRAZY! Barnes is a talent for sure "

A third wrote: "Nothing highlights “English tax” in the transfer market quite like Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes costing just £10m less than Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai."

A fourth added: "He's consistently produced in the PL for four seasons, 35 goals & 25 assists I see. If you're saying no to this then you're an idiot. In fact, I'd strongly imagine if he had a more glamorous sounding name the same fans turning their nose up at him would insist he's worth £70M."

Thoughts on the potential deal?

Let us know in the comments.