Hall and Trippier react to Harvey Barnes’ Newcastle message amid Elanga swap claims
Harvey Barnes caught the attention of his Newcastle United teammates following a brand-new update at St James’ Park.
The 27-year-old winger has quickly become an integral part of Eddie Howe‘s squad, notching nine goals and four assists, many coming after breaking into the starting lineup in the second half of the season.
He joined Alexander Isak and Jacob Murphy in the final third, with Anthony Gordon having to settle for a spot on the bench more often than not, and other Premier League clubs have taken notice.
Recent reports have suggested that Barnes could be used in a swap deal with Nottingham Forest, with the Magpies interested in signing talented winger Anthony Elanga this summer.
Mick Brown told Football Insider that Newcastle are open to offers for the former Leicester City man, but with several weeks of the transfer window remaining, no deal has yet been reached.
Harvey Barnes styles out fresh Newcastle United kit
Taking to Instagram (1 July), Barnes shared images from Newcastle’s new third kit launch, with the simple caption: “Classic,” with blue and orange emojis, gaining likes from Kieran Trippier and Lewis Hall.
Eddie Howe to remain focused through busy summer transfer window
Football Insider verdict
While multiple players have been linked with exits at St James’ Park, Football Insider understands that Newcastle are increasingly confident of keeping Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes.
This is due to the Magpies narrowly securing Champions League qualification on the final day of the 2024/25 Premier League season, despite losing 1-0 to David Moyes’ Everton.
Both Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest slipping up in the final game meant Newcastle are Champions League football once again, and Howe will be desperate to improve on last time.
The Magpies were unable to get out of the group stage during 2023/24, being placed in an incredibly difficult group with PSG, AC Milan, and Borussia Dortmund.
After breaking a 70-year trophy drought last season, Howe will believe that he can achieve even more with the current team, which is why it is so important to keep the bulk of the squad together.
Football Insider understands that Newcastle will not entertain offers for Sandro Tonali, but if improvements are to be made, signings need to be made, and quickly.