Sources: Newcastle now confident of signing Harvey Barnes and Southampton star
Newcastle United are confident in their ability to sign both Harvey Barnes and James Ward-Prowse this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
The Magpies are keen to bolster their midfield and add some creativity to their squad ahead of the start of next season.
A striker was a top priority for the Tyneside club, but Alexander Isak's top form at St James' Park has instead turned the recruitment team's attention towards targeting midfielders and creative wingers.
Football Insider sources revealed on Friday (21 April) that Newcastle shortlisted three perfect Eddie Howe signings for the summer window - Ward-Prowse, Barnes and Mason Mount.
Ever since his appointment at Newcastle, Howe has targeted English players with vast Premier League experience.
Kieran Tripper, Dan Burn, Nick Pope, Matt Targett and Anthony Gordon have all followed that pattern, and Ward-Prowse, Barnes and Mount tick similar boxes.
Newcastle are set to flex their financial muscle in the summer under their Saudi owners, but the North East club are growing increasingly confident that they can snap up two bargain deals in Ward-Prowse and Barnes.
Both stars are currently considered key players and indispensable to their respective clubs, but both find themselves tangled in relegation fights.
Southampton and Leicester are both resigned to losing their star players if demoted, and it is understood that both Ward-Prowse and Barnes are eager to make a move and stay in the Premier League in the event of relegation.
Qualifying for European competition this season will only make Newcastle a more attractive destination for signings, and Newcastle are leading the race ahead of their Premire League rivals for both stars.