Sources: Newcastle willing to sell ‘Phenomenal’ player to make room for new signing
Newcastle are willing to part with Allan Saint-Maximin in order to land top target Harvey Barnes, sources have told Football Insider.
Football Insider revealed on Saturday (8 July) that the Magpies need to make room in their squad for the signing of Harvey Barnes by offloading another first-teamer.
It is believed Eddie Howe and the Newcastle recruitment staff would be willing to sacrifice Saint-Maximin, 26, if it meant striking a deal for Barnes.
A well-placed source has told Football Insider that Howe feels the Leicester star is “tried and trusted” in the Premier League and capable of making a bigger impact than Saint-Maximin.
Aston Villa, West Ham and Tottenham have also been widely linked with a possible move for Barnes this summer following the Foxes’ relegation.
He managed a healthy return of 13 goals and three assists in 40 games across all competitions last term and is under contract at the King Power Stadium until June 2025.
Barnes has made a total of 187 appearances for Leicester, notching 45 goals and 32 assists.
Meanwhile, Saint-Maximin is still struggling for consistency despite finishing his fourth full season in the Premier League with Newcastle.
He managed just one goal and five assists last term and has scored only 13 times in 124 Magpies games.
The Frenchman, who was hailed as “phenomenal” during a purple patch of form in 2021 by ex-Newcastle winger Andros Townsend, is out of contract at St James’ Park in June 2026.
Howe also has Anthony Gordon, Ryan Fraser, Alexander Isak and Jacob Murphy capable of playing in a left-wing berth.
Newcastle will play Champions League group-stage football next term after securing a fourth-place finish.
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