Harvey Barnes update: Newcastle take major step towards signing after fresh talks with Leicester

Harvey Barnes proposed transfer from Leicester to Newcastle has moved a ‘significant step closer’ with ‘fresh talks’ taking place between the two sides in the last 24 hours, according to The Times.

They report that a £35m deal could now be agreed this week, with the winger Eddie Howe’s number one priority after the £55m signing of Italian international Sandro Tonali.

Barnes is believed to be keen on the move to Tyneside and should the clubs agree on a fee, personal terms are not thought to be an issue, meaning the deal could move swiftly. This comes after the player was “rested” for their pre-season defeat to Peterborough on Tuesday, which seemed quite telling when 22 Foxes players featured.

The report also adds that the fee for the 25-year-old would see us spend the remainder of our ‘net transfer budget’, meaning we would would have to free up funds from outgoings – or create space on the wage bill from loans – to bring further signings in.

The Times state that Allan Saint-Maximin remains one name who could be moved on, but he is still liked by Howe and in no rush to leave, so it remains to be seen if there will be any more significant moves for us this window.