Harvey Barnes: Newcastle 'hopeful' of blocking Aston Villa transfer

Harvey Barnes has emerged as a target for Aston Villa ahead of the summer window as Newcastle United make new plans for his future.

The 28-year-old enjoyed a strong season at St James' Park last time out, and has attracted high-profile interest as a result of his displays.

Aston Villa hope their Champions League qualification can tempt the winger away from their Premier League rivals after their disappointing 12th-placed finish.

However, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Eddie Howe is "hopeful" of keeping Barnes as he has become part of his first-team plans.

Howe values the winger highly, and following the departure of Anthony Gordon, hopes to prevent him leaving as part of Newcastle's transfer plans.

How do Newcastle feel about selling Harvey Barnes?

Brown told Football Insider last month that Barnes is increasingly likely to stay at Newcastle despite interest from some of their Premier League rivals.

The England international has established himself as a key part of Howe's plans after replacing Gordon in the XI, and could save the club money on a new signing.

With Aston Villa among the clubs keeping a close eye on his situation, the Magpies are hoping they will be able to prevent any exit.

"Harvey Barnes could go either way at Newcastle," Brown told Football Insider.

"There is a lot of interest in Barnes, I know from my own sources a lot of clubs have looked at him over the years and have been impressed by what they’ve seen.

"He came into the team when Gordon dropped out near the end of the season and did a very good job replacaing him.

"That could mean two things though, either Newcastle see the value in him and want to keep him around, or other clubs step up their interest and try to lure him away.

"Eddie Howe, I'm sure, will be keen to keep him around because he's been a reliable asset for him over the last couple of seasons.

"If he can prevent him moving on, it will be a huge boost to Newcastle and their plans for next season.

"If somebody like Aston Villa comes calling, though, with Champions League football on offer, it could make it difficult for Newcastle to stop him going.

"But they're hopeful they can convince him to stay next season, to fill in after Gordon's exit, and hopefully help them get back to competing at that top level."

Could Barnes be lured away from Newcastle?

Despite Howe's plans to keep hold of Barnes, the growing interest in his signatutre will be a concern ahead of the summer transfer window opening.

Aston Villa are not the only club keeping a close eye on his situation, with multiple Premier League sides believed to have been long-term admirers.

Meanwhile, Brown told Football Insider on 2 June that Newcastle could accept "big" offers for Barnes, despite Howe's plans to keep hold of him.

There is a feeling the winger could be allowed to leave for the right price, with the Magpies likely to be forced to sell before they can buy to strengthen their squad.

As a result, the board may decide to cash in on Barnes and invest the money elsewhere, regardless of the manager's plans.