Eddie Howe is close to getting his man as Newcastle United near a deal for Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes. The two clubs have been edging closer to an agreement in recent days after the Foxes' initial high demands.
Talks were held over the weekend with Barnes rested for Leicester's pre-season defeat to Peterborough on Monday evening. Discussions have accelerated as Howe seeks to get his second signing through the door as quick as possible.
The Newcastle boss wants as many new faces added to his ranks before the trip to the United States of America later this month. Last year Howe had added three of his four summer signings by the time the first-team flew to Austria for their pre-season camp in a huge boost to preparations for the season.
READ MORE: AC Milan boss breaks silence on Newcastle move as he puts end to unhappy Sandro Tonali myth
While scouting chief Steve Nickson continues to cast his eye over potential talent and sporting director Dan Ashworth has sought out realistic transfer options, Howe has the final say on Newcastle incomings and has pushed hard behind the scenes for the Leicester attacker.
Howe publicly spoke of his 'respect' for former Leicester star James Maddison last year but has remained tight-lipped on Barnes, though it is understood he ticks a lot of boxes for the former Bournemouth coach.
This, despite the Magpies' vast array of talent currently capable of occupying the left-wing position at St James' Park. Joelinton, Joe Willock, Elliot Anderson, Anthony Gordon, Allan Saint-Maximin and Alexander Isak have all been deployed in the role in recent months.
Joelinton may have been looking to the left-side of the attack as a potential new home after the addition of big-money transfer Sandro Tonali in the midfield. Meanwhile, Gordon and Saint-Maximin will both fancy their chances of starting in that role from the outset should they both stay fit, and should the latter stay put beyond the summer.
However, Barnes' arrival will bolster this Newcastle side. The winger, 25, netted 13 goals in a poor Leicester team last season and has consistently proved his worth in England's top flight.
Newcastle are expected to pay £35m for Barnes, with the full fee potentially rising to £40m. Leicester have always been resigned to losing the wide man this summer.
“When the market is open, anything can happen. Most of us are worried about what happens tomorrow, but we have to look forward," Leicester's new boss Enzo Maresca said recently.
“At the moment, seven players had their contracts expire, Maddison left, and some more players can leave. But at the same time, if players leave, we can bring in more players. The idea is to bring in our targets as soon as possible.”
