All posts by z3u9t.icu

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly among the clubs who are showing an interest in Eintracht Frankfurt forward, Randal Kolo Muani, with questions marks still lingering regarding Harry Kane's long-term future at N17.

What are the latest Tottenham transfer rumours?

With rumours rife that Bayern Munich are desperate to try and sign the England skipper – having lodged a £70m offer for the 29-year-old this week – it looks as if Spurs could, ironically, look to the Bundesliga to find a possible replacement for their record goalscorer.

That's according to the Independent's Miguel Delaney, with the transfer insider revealing that the Lilywhites – alongside both Bayern and Manchester United – have 'seriously looked' at Kolo Muani, albeit with Paris Saint-Germain currently the frontrunners in the battle to land the 24-year-old.

As per the report, the nine-cap France international – who was linked with a move to north London back in the winter window – could be available for a fee of around £80m, despite having a previous price tag of closer to £100m.

How many goals has Randal Kolo Muani scored?

If Ange Postecoglou and co are forced to find a suitable successor to Kane then they should simply look no further than the Frankfurt ace, with the World Cup finalist arguably the "complete" package, as hailed by compatriot, Kylian Mbappe.

While hardly prolific during his time at former club, Nantes – where the 6 foot 2 whiz scored 23 goals in 87 games for the then-Ligue 1 side – the Bondy-born marksman has come alive since sealing a move to Germany a year ago, having racked up 40 goal involvements in just 46 games in all competitions last term.

That included a stellar haul of 15 goals and 14 assists in 32 Bundesliga outings for the 2022 Europa League winners, with Kolo Muani evidently proving himself as a player who can offer a clinical presence himself through the middle, as well as being up to bring others into play with his creative instincts.

That dual role as both a goal-getter and provider is one which Kane has taken on so impressively for Spurs in recent times, with the 280-goal machine memorably finishing atop the charts for both goals (23) and assists (14) in the Premier League during the 2020/21 campaign.

The manner in which they are able to hurt the opposition does appear somewhat different it must be said, however, with Kane's creative talents seeing him rank in the top 4% among his European peers for progressive passes, while Kolo Muani is far more effective as a ball carrier, as he ranks in the top 7% for progressive carries and the top 5% for successful take-ons.

That dynamic quality has ensured that the Frenchman is the type of player who "annoys" defenders and is "really hard to defend" against, according to international colleague, Ibrahima Konate, hence why a raft of Europe's top clubs are looking his way at present.

Of course, there will be few at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium who will be relishing the prospect of losing Kane any time soon such has been his remarkable consistency over the last decade or so, although if Postecoglou is forced to find a worthy heir to the Three Lions star, then there may be few better options than that of Kolo Muani.

While there may be fears that the latter man is a mere flash in the pan, with last season having been a real breakout campaign, such a move looks like it could be a gamble worth taking for the Lilywhites.

Arsenal’s transfer business thus far this summer has been near-flawless, having overcome every obstacle to attain their top targets.

It was reported that they saw off Real Madrid to bring Kai Havertz across the capital, and it seems that even Manchester City refuse to compete with them over Declan Rice.

The free-spending nature of Edu and Mikel Arteta has taken many by surprise, but it is likely just the cost of competing with Pep Guardiola’s treble-winning outfit.

Despite this, earlier in the window it was reported that the Spanish head coach still craved a physical forward to compete with Gabriel Jesus, in an effort to mix up their play from their usual style. This is likely a desire that has not subsided given their transfers thus far.

It is this report, plus another from Italy, that compounds their interest in Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic.

His €80m (£70m) price tag would put most off, but as aforementioned, the Gunners are not afraid to pay whatever it takes to encourage another title push.

This acquisition, for all the excitement that Rice and Havertz might bring, could be the most important in offering a fresh dimension to help them edge out games they would otherwise lose.

Is Dusan Vlahovic similar to Robin van Persie?

As a tall, powerful, left-footed striker linked with a north London switch, it is hard not to immediately draw comparisons with Robin van Persie.

The Dutchman spent eight impressive years at the Emirates, recording 190 goal contributions across just 278 games.

The manner of his exit was frustrating, but having immediately claimed a Premier League title upon moving to Manchester United, it was largely understood. He remains arguably one of Arsenal’s greatest players in recent memory, and the task to replace him will always be a tough one.

However, the early-career form of this Serbian forward shows promise, with his tenure at Fiorentina far more impressive than his current one in Turin.

In his final full season with the Viola, the 23-year-old would score 21 league goals, before recording another 24 across two clubs during the 2021/22 season where he moved. Either of these figures would have made the youngster comfortably the club’s top scorer last campaign, to emphasise how impressive they are.

He uses his hulking physique to bully defenders, and his explosive left foot to leave goalkeepers stranded.

Despite having struggled at his new club amidst all the turmoil, journalist Emmet Gates still claimed: “Dusan Vlahovic has the ability to be a generational talent, but he's suffering in this iteration of Juventus. To paraphrase a famous Zlatan line: He's a Ferrari being driven like a Fiat.”

Although it could be argued he is far from as well-rounded as the 39-year-old was, his youth marks a precious resource with which Arteta could mould the marksman at his will. Given how the likes of Martin Odegaard, Granit Xhaka and Gabriel Martinelli have all made notable improvements under him, with their average Sofascore ratings in the league improving from the 2021/22 season to the 2022/23 campaign, there is every reason to believe he could repeat such a feat with his target man.

Perhaps this supercar of a player could now move to the truly well-oiled machine his quality merits, as the natural successor to one of the greatest strikers of their generation.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte, who could be an astute alternative to Bayer Leverkusen centre-half Edmond Tapsoba.

What's the latest on Aymeric Laporte to Tottenham?

According to 90min, Spurs have identified their top defensive target in the Bundesliga Burkina Faso ace, though mounting interest from Premier League rivals Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle United could throw a spanner in the works.

Laporte has been a stalwart for Pep Guardiola's Manchester City since signing for £57m in 2018 but has fallen down the pecking order and has subsequently been touted for a £40m departure from the Etihad Stadium.

The Spain international has two years remaining on his Citizens deal but new Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou will be determined to catch his man after a disastrous defensive year in the top flight.

Should Tottenham sign Aymeric Laporte?

Laporte is one of the most distinguished and illustrious centre-backs in the history of English football, having completed the treble this season to take his trophy haul in Manchester to five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups and the Champions League.

The French-born Spain star has made 179 appearances across all competitions for the Sky Blues, but after starting just 11 times in the top flight this year, he might feel that his time under Guardiola's wing is at an end.

The 29-year-old has been hailed as the "best left-central defender in the world" by his club manager, but with his diminishing amount of action on the pitch, compounded by news of the club's vested interest in RB Leipzig sensation Josko Gvardiol, searching for new pastures might be the best option.

And at Spurs he would cement his name as a first-rate star, spearheading the resurgence from the back and complementing Postecoglou's possession-based style, with club chairman Daniel Levy saying: "Ange brings a positive mentality and a fast, attacking style of play."

As per FBref, the 22-cap colossus ranks among the top 4% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 3% for pass completion, and the top 1% for passes attempted, progressive passes and progressive carries per 90 – evidently, he holds his own with the ball at his feet.

Currently on £120k-per-week, Laporte could even be an affordable option for the Lilywhites, who crave some defensive fortitude after a fraught campaign that bore no European qualification and a dismal defensive record to better only Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest and the three relegated outfits.

But the pass master would also serve to make Ivan Perisic's creative game unplayable, with the Croatian gem sealing a move to north London from Inter on a free transfer last year.

Perisic frequented the left flank throughout the 22/23 term, scoring once and registering 12 assists from 44 matches, and with a coveted layer of assurance from someone of Laporte's ilk, who has averaged 1.8 tackles and 3.4 clearances across the duration of his career – via WhoScored – his playmaking prowess would only improve, especially considering Postecoglou's emphasis on versatile full-backs.

Especially since the 34-year-old veteran already ranks among the top 1% of positional peers for assists and the top 9% for shot-creating actions per 90; impressive metrics, and that's with a shoddy defensive foundation to build from.

Especially given a first-rate skill of the "beast" that is Laporte is playing out from the back – something that is an intrinsic component to a Pep Guardiola system – could add a whole new dimension to a Spurs team desperate for a route back to prominence, his signature must surely be sought this summer.

And if Levy and Postecoglou can pull it off, Tottenham could craft a successful season for themselves and expunge the poignancy of a calamitous campaign.

Burnley are interested in the services of Nathan Redmond, per reports.

Burnley transfer news – What's the latest on Nathan Redmond?

According to Turkish outlet Hurriyet (via Sport Witness), Burnley are working to sign the former Southampton star this summer transfer window.

The winger spent last season in Istanbul with Besiktas and, despite the club's wishes, will be leaving this summer as a free-agent.

His time in the Turkish capital has been fruitful, seeing him register five goals and five assists in just 25 league appearances.

It has been this form that led the club to offer him a new deal worth €1.5m (£1.3m) a year, but he has turned it down with his agent saying, "We do not ask you for signing on fee, but we expect you to increase the fee to €2m (£1.7m)."

This stand-off with the club has led to the interest of the Lancashire club and Wolverhampton Wanderers, who now know the financial package required to land their man.

What would Nathan Redmond offer Burnley?

The first thing to note is that acquiring the services of Redmond, a Premier League proven winger and seasoned pro on a free and for wages of just £1.7m, seems like a great deal for a newly promoted club.

The former Birmingham City dynamo has played 264 times in England's top flight since his debut in the 2013/14 season and has racked up 54 goal involvements across that period – a respectable ratio of around one every 4.8 games.

Granted, these numbers will hardly set the league alight, but for a team whose primary goal next year should be to avoid the drop, having a player of Redmond's experience would be no bad thing.

The Midlands-born winger would also represent something of a throwback for the Clarets faithful, a back-to-basics, no-frills, hard-working wide man that used to be synonymous with the club.

It was after a particularly hard FA Cup game that Ralph Hasenhuttl, his former boss, waxed lyrical about this side to his game, saying:

"What he did in this game was working against, ball defending his own box and clearing the ball – that is a new Nathan Redmond.

"It was not cool for him. It was really hard work and that is what I want to see from him, that he shows that he is also able to work hard and to stay focused until the end of a game."

His numbers also bare out this hard-working side of the 5 foot 8 ace, who has also previously been hailed as an "unlikely leader" by journalist Tom Leach.

According to FBref, in his final five seasons in England, he averaged at least 1.39 tackles per 90.

It's the same story for blocks, with the 29-year-old averaging 1.2 per 90 during his final five seasons with Southampton.

With his improved work rate and increased attacking output from his time in Turkey, the signing of the former Southampton man could prove to be very shrewd business from Burnley and give them a little bit of that old Sean Dyche charm again.

Manchester City are set for a midfield overhaul this summer after winning a historic treble…

What is the latest news about Warren Zaire-Emery?

According to reports from Spain, Man City are set to battle with Premier League rivals Liverpool for the signature of Paris Saint-Germain starlet Warren Zaire-Emery.

The 17-year-old prospect enjoyed a breakout campaign with the Parisian side, making 31 appearances for the senior side and scoring two goals, and the French champions are not eager to sell the player, with an 'attractive' offer needed.

The report states that Liverpool and Manchester City are not the only two sides interested in the French attacking midfielder, with a host of top European sides vying for his signature.

However, Manchester City may have the upper hand as they are willing to include Bernardo Silva, a PSG transfer target, in negotiations for Zaire-Emery, who CIES Football Observatory value at around €20m (£18m).

Who is Zaire-Emery most like?

Despite playing in different positions, Zaire-Emery shares a lot of qualities with a young Wayne Rooney, according to former England international Joe Cole.

Speaking on BT Sport (via the Daily Mail) ahead of PSG's defeat to Bayern Munich, Cole was full of praise for the midfielder, stating:

"He's an incredible talent, physically he reminds me of Wayne Rooney, the size of his thighs at just 16."

Zaire-Emery stands at 5 feet 10 and looks incredibly well-developed physically for a player his age, allowing him to hold his own in very physical midfield battles. WhoScored also agrees with this sentiment, classing both his ability to hold onto the ball and his ability to block the ball as some of the youngster's key strengths.

The 17-year-old gem also excels on the ball, with his dribbling and passing comparable to some of the best players in the world. The midfielder ranks in the top 15% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for non-penalty goals, the top 10% for successful take-ons, the top 19% for progressive carries and the top 3% for pass completion, all per 90 via FBref.

Rooney at the same age, albeit playing in a different position, shared a similar mentality to the PSG teen.

Joe Cole also shares that belief, saying about Zaire-Emery's mentality:

"He's a man already. We were talking about his mindset. Usually, when you score your first goal, you lost your mind completely, but he just strolls away, cool as you like."

The England and United talisman was a phenom himself when he broke onto the scene, with his physicality and his technical ability allowing him as a teenager to hold his own and sometimes even dominate some of the most experienced and most highly rated professionals in the league.

At the same age, although it isn't as prevalent as Manchester United's all-time record goalscorer, Zaire-Emery has shown glimpses of similar aspects of his game.

For Rooney, making the move to Manchester at 17 to work under a manager who was regarded as the best in the world was the key to further unlocking his game and developing into the world-class player he ultimately became.

Meanwhile, the PSG starlet has the opportunity to follow in the steps of Rooney, albeit joining the blue side of Manchester rather than the red side.

The opportunity to work under Pep Guardiola could be huge for the midfielder as well, and the Spaniard is reportedly desperate to get the chance to mould the player into a "top-class player for years to come".

Should Zaine-Emery make the move to Manchester City, the Citizens may well have their own Wayne Rooney in their hands.

Arsenal are "now leading the race" for Chelsea forward Kai Havertz and manager Mikel Arteta is a huge admirer, according to journalist Steve Kay.

Who could join Arsenal this summer?

Even before the Gunners fell short in their quest to win a first Premier League title in nearly 20 years, sporting director Edu was working long and hard behind-the-scenes on summer targets.

The Brazilian confirmed as much in an interview with ESPN (via 90min), saying back in April that planning was already done with the transfer window firmly in their sights.

"Our planning has already been done," said Edu.

"It has already reached the owners. Now, we're taking things step by step. We're focused on how we will finish the season, but we've put in the planning and I'm very excited."

A lot of the noise lately has surrounded a potential move for West Ham star Declan Rice, who impressed yet again under David Moyes last season.

The north Londoners saw an opening bid of £80 million for Rice rejected on Thursday, with Brighton star Moises Caicedo and Man City captain Ilkay Gundogan also linked recently.

A fairly new target, however, is Havertz – with journalist David Ornstein of The Athletic breaking news of a "proposal" for the player from Arteta's side.

Now., sharing an update for Football Transfers, journalist Steve Kay has claimed that Arsenal are "now leading the race" for Havertz and personal terms have already been agreed.

They've seemingly entered pole position for the 24-year-old, who apparently wants to join Arteta, with the Gunners boss being a huge admirer of him.

However, while Arsenal are "pushing hard" for Havertz's signature, there is still work to be done, as Chelsea and Arsenal are about £15 million apart in terms of valuation.

The Blues want £70 million for their forward, but Arsenal apparently value him at around £55 million.

Who is Kai Havertz?

Signed from Bayer Leverkusen in 2020, Havertz has gone to produce some big moments at Chelsea, perhaps most notably a winner in the 2021 Champions League final against Man City.

His versatility is big draw for Arteta and the "terrific" attacker has even been likened to French footballing icon Zinedine Zidane by Lothar Matthaus.

“I compare him to Zinedine Zidane in terms of skills, technique and overview, and anticipating a situation,” he said to Kicker (via The Mirror).

“Zidane didn’t seem quick, but he was when he hit the ball. Havertz can do that too.”

If Arsenal secure his signing, there is certainly plenty of potential there.

West Ham have done it. This humid, sticky, unforgiving evening in Prague will go down in their history.

It was far from a classic, but the Hammers won’t care. The trophy was clinched at the death when the ever-present Jarrod Bowen sprinted on goal and calmly slotted it into the back of the net.

The club had flirted with relegation throughout the year, finding themselves in the drop zone at various points.

But through the murky turmoil of domestic football, the Europa Conference League provided a shining beacon of light that has culminated in the club’s first major trophy in 43 years and European success since 1965.

There were many points within the season when the faith wavered. The trust in David Moyes, who was elated at full-time and his cohort of extravagant new signings was under constant scrutiny.

But they have emerged as champions, blessed with another season of top-flight and European football.

In recent weeks, when the pressure intensified, one player who has emphatically proven his worth is Lucas Paqueta, who was instrumental in this monumental victory.

How did Lucas Paqueta perform against Fiorentina?

The Brazilian arrived in East London with humongous expectations for a club-record fee of £51m – a dazzling, scintillating playmaker expected to orchestrate another top-half finish.

However, at the start, he flattered to deceive. The 40-cap international often cut an anonymous, dejected, and uninvolved figure, unable to showcase his extraordinary talent.

The 25-year-old didn’t score his first goal for his new club until January 2023, but in the latter stages of the Premier League and in Europe, the former Lyon ace has repaid every penny of his transfer.

Although he struggled to influence the first half of their famous 2-1 victory, he provided that match-winning moment, threading an expertly weighted through ball to the onrushing Bowen, who coolly converted.

As well as this, the joyous technician recorded two key passes from his 46 touches, won 11 defensive duels, and made four tackles, as per Sofascore, in a well-rounded performance from central areas.

Throughout the term, the £150k-per-week star’s contribution to the defensive effort has been undeniable; in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers, he ranks in the highest 4% for tackles, blocks, clearances, and aerials won per 90 – a glowing testament to his unrelenting work rate and commitment to the Irons.

Described as “simply sensational” by CBS’ James Benge following the game, the attacker has finished the season with 43 appearances, 12 goal involvements, and the second-highest average rating in the squad across the campaign.

Big players forge even bigger moments and Paqueta’s contribution to this fateful European excursion is unforgettable. It may well have been Bowen who popped up with that remarkable late goal, but it was his Brazilian colleague that he owes it to.

More power to Moyes, who after receiving a torrent of speculation regarding his future, is deservedly entitled to another season at the helm.

Newcastle United are interested in an ambitious swoop for Napoli phenomenon Victor Osimhen, with the Serie A champion's future uncertain after Luciano Spalletti's recent departure from Naples.

What's the latest on Victor Osimhen to Newcastle?

According to Gazzetta dello Sport (via the Mirror), who claim that Eddie Howe's Magpies are set to battle it out with Premier League rivals Manchester United this summer for the Nigerian frontman, having received a £100m windfall after qualifying for next year's Champions League.

The report states that Newcastle have 'made contact' with the player's agent and are now looking at the feasibility of a move for an ace integral in Napoli's Scudetto this term.

A stumbling block comes in the form of Osimhen's valuation, with I Partenopei demanding roughly £130m for the 24-year-old after such a sensational season.

Should Newcastle sign Victor Osimhen?

Napoli signed Osimhen for around £81m from French outfit Lille in 2020 and he swiftly asserted himself as an impressive striker in Italian football, scoring 28 goals across his first two campaigns.

This season, he has truly emerged as one of Europe's foremost forwards, posting 30 goals and five assists from 38 matches across all competitions as Napoli emphatically secured the Serie A title for the first time since 1990.

Newcastle already boast a formidable strikeforce in Callum Wilson and £63m club-record signing Alexander Isak, who have plundered 18 and ten goals respectively this term. The Swede was even hindered by injury issues for much of his maiden season in English football.

However, a signing of Osimhen's ilk would lift the offensive calibre to a whole new level, the forward ranking among the top 1% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for rate of non-penalty goals and the top 3% for touches in the attacking box per 90, as per FBref, and subsequently being hailed as a "goal-machine" by journalist Mimo Fawaz.

The £91k-per-week phenom would indeed be hard to prise away from the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium but Spalletti's departure to take a year-long sabbatical surely opens the door for the likes of Newcastle and the Red Devils.

Newcastle are on the up and will not want to rest on their laurels after finishing in the top four, instead looking to utilise their newfound prominence to continue an ascent to the very forefront of domestic and continental football, and to do so, closing the gap on imperious Premier League champions Manchester City is the goal.

Pep Guardiola's defending champions have taken precedence in England after the sagacious Spaniard arrived in 2016, and this term could yet complete a historic treble, having clinched the league title and await their fate in both the FA Cup and Champions League finals.

A definitive factor behind the blistering success is down to the signing of prolific prodigy Erling Haaland, who has scored an incredible 52 goals from 51 outings during his first season with the Sky Blues, also supplying nine assists.

Ranking among the top 1% of forwards for rate of non-penalty goals, the top 10% for rate of assists and the top 5% for touches in the attacking box per 90, the Norwegian sensation has taken the world by storm and rivals will be desperately searching for a way to dethrone his side, and Newcastle could unearth the formula by signing Osimhen.

The semblance between the strikers is uncanny, and Osimhen would undoubtedly become the Tyneside club's "heart and soul" – as praised by reporter Mina Rzouki for his feats in Naples – not only bridging the gap but perhaps harnessing a level of fluidity to leapfrog the divisional giants and claiming centre-stage as the Premier League's new leading force.

Liverpool could revitalise their midfield to full intensity should they succeed in their pursuit of Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, according to The Redman TV's Paul Machin.

What's the latest on Alexis Mac Allister to Liverpool?

Jurgen Klopp's Reds are leading the race for the Argentine World Cup winner, according to the likes of transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, with an agreement on personal terms believed to be all but complete.

The Seagulls, who will join Liverpool in the Europa League next season, have touted the 24-year-old at £70m and the Merseyside outfit appear set to meet the valuation, beating the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United to his signature.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Machin waxed lyrical over the dynamic midfielder and hinted that Mac Allister is the perfect heir to Gini Wijnaldum's position in the team, with the industrious midfielder departing on a free transfer in 2021.

Machin said: "The weird thing about Gini Wijnaldum is I think the role has changed. It was a very functional role for Liverpool that Wijnaldum played and not many footballers have got that kind of capability.

"I actually see Mac Allister as being a Gini Wijnaldum plus. He might have the ability to do those functions, but you're going to get more assists and you're going to get more goals out of him further up the pitch.

"I see him more in rotation with Curtis Jones potentially, and it's going to be their job to actually do more of the fun stuff on the pitch, whereas Gini Wijnaldum was very much doing the dirty work."

How good is Alexis Mac Allister?

Few would deny that a midfielder of Mac Allister's make would enhance Liverpool's prospects of success next season, bringing energy and intensity to the fore.

Wijnaldum was often the unsung hero for his Merseyside outfit, plying his trade with assiduous diligence and being heralded as "sensational" by his former German manager for his exploits, and there is likely a growing belief that Mac Allister could not only emulate the Dutchman but transcend his feats at the Liverpool centre.

Having broken into Brighton's first team last year, making 36 appearances and scoring five goals, the "sumptuous" dynamo – as dubbed by Gary Lineker – has taken a major stride in his development and plundered 12 strikes from 39 outings, with a central role in his nation's triumphant World Cup campaign wedged in the middle.

The £50k-per-week phenom's rounded skill set is likely a major reason behind Liverpool's ostensible willingness to pay the big bucks, with FBref underscoring his dynamism by referencing his ranking among the top 17% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues for shot-creating actions, the top 19% for progressive carries and the top 17% for successful take-ons.

A "magician" with the ball, as hailed by teammate Danny Welbeck, Mac Allister could cement his role as central focal point for Liverpool, perhaps even emerging as Klopp's own version of Barcelona's prodigious maestro Pedri.

Signing for La Blaugrana from Las Palmas for just €20m (£17m) in 2020, the 20-year-old Pedri has since made 109 appearances for his club and earned 18 caps for Spain, belying his age with the superlative calibre of his performances.

He ranks among the 6% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues for shot-creating actions and the top 7% for progressive passes, progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90, praised as a "brutal player" by Barca legend Andres Iniesta.

Both Mac Allister and Pedri are progressive presences with bundles of energy, and Barcelona's resurgence under Xavi is indebted to Pedri's presence at the nucleus of the pitch.

Likewise, it's no coincidence that Mac Allister has starred in Albion's ascension to European football and Argentina's return to the pinnacle of international football, and Liverpool must tie up a deal for the remarkable talent.

Newcastle United transfer target Harvey Barnes is keen on a move to the club during the summer transfer window, a new update has claimed.

Is Barnes expected to leave Leicester?

The Magpies have been linked with a host of players ahead of what could be a significant summer for them, having been boosted by qualifying for next season's Champions League.

Barnes is one player who has emerged as a potential target, having done his best to help Leicester avoid relegation from the Premier League this season, scoring 12 times in the competition and also registering one assist.

The £40,000-a-week attacker may end up leaving the King Power Stadium at the end of the season, though, alongside Foxes teammate James Maddison, who also appears to be a primary target and is interested in a move to Newcastle, and it looks as though the situation is similar with Barnes.

Could Newcastle sign Barnes?

According to Football Insider, Barnes is "keen on joining Newcastle United if they push hard for his signature this summer". He is thought to be "one of three English creative or attacking midfielders" that the Magpies are eyeing up, with Maddison and Mason Mount the other two players in question.

It is even stated that the one-time capped England international, who shares the same agency as manager Eddie Howe, "will quit Leicester City this summer regardless of whether the Foxes escape relegation on the Premier League final day or not."

Barnes is someone who could be viewed as an eye-catching option for Newcastle this summer, having been a key figure for Leicester over an extended period now, who prior to the final day, scored 44 goals and chipped in with 32 assists in 186 appearances for the club. He was once described as "sensational" by Gary Lineker in 2019, and he could offer the Magpies extra pace and directness in wide areas, often adopting a left-sided role with the ability to either cut inside or go on the outside.

To have stood out for a struggling side like Leicester shows the impact that Barnes could have with better players around him – the same applies to Maddison, too – so there is every chance that he could find an extra gear in a Newcastle shirt, benefiting from the vision of Bruno Guimaraes, and providing for and linking with the likes of Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson in the attacking third.