Sources: Newcastle plan to block Harvey Barnes exit, Eddie Howe's new transfer plan revealed

Newcastle United are set to block offers for Harvey Barnes as they see him as being their first-choice left-winger next season.

A number of Premier League clubs including Aston Villa have been keeping tabs on the 28-year-old in hopes of luring him away from St James' Park this summer.

Newcastle endured a frustrating season last time out and missed out on European qualification, leading to speculation that a number of key players could move on.

However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Eddie Howe aims to keep Barnes and has shelved plans to sign a new left-winger.

The England international is instead seen as the direct replacement for Anthony Gordon, and while a new winger could arrive, they would likely become a backup.

Barnes enjoyed a strong end to the season when stepping in to replace the departing Gordon, and his manager now believes he can nail down a place in the starting XI.

How do Newcastle feel about selling Harvey Barnes?

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider last month that Barnes is increasingly likely to remain at Newcastle beyond the summer window.

He is believed to have a number of suitors across the Premier League, but amid concerns about their spending power, Newcastle hope to keep him around.

Howe is planning to utilise the winger as part of his starting XI next season, which could allow the club to save money and reinvest in other areas of the team.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "As things stand right now, I don't think Newcastle are open to letting Harvey Barnes leave.

"He's their only recognised left-winger heading into next season following the sale of Anthony Gordon, and he's always performed for Newcastle, Harvey Barnes.

"He's still a key man for Eddie Howe, who wants to strengthen his Newcastle team rather than weaken it, and he's not keen on losing two key players like Gordon and Barnes.

"Aston Villa are long-term admirers of the former Leicester man and are keeping tabs on his situation as well, but Newcastle are under no pressure to sell.

"Barnes is now seen as the first-choice winger for next season and they could move away from signing a direct replacement for Gordon as well.

"So as things stand, Newcastle are not entertaining any departure."

Could Aston Villa tempt Barnes away from Newcastle?

Newcastle are currently standing firm on their stance regarding Barnes' future, but speculation has continued to grow and he could be allowed to move on after all.

Their disappointing league finish has led to question marks about their financial situation, particularly with regard to spending large sums on new players

As a result, Brown told Football Insider that Newcastle could cash in on Barnes and use the funds alongside Gordon's sale to begin a large-scale overhaul of the squad.

His departure would force the club to bring in a left-winger, with options on their radar, while also investing money in other key positions.

That has placed Aston Villa alongside other Premier League rivals on alert, with a renewed belief they could tempt him away from St James' Park.