Newcastle United have reportedly 'also asked' about Harvey Barnes as well as James Maddison.

The Lowdown: Maddison offer

The Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope claimed on Saturday morning that the St James' Park outfit had made a 'structured' £35m offer for Maddison.

However, a deal is likely to prove 'difficult', so 'other options' are currently being explored by the Magpies.

The Latest: Barnes too?

Taking to Twitter, Daily Mail reporter Tom Collomosse has now revealed that Newcastle have 'also asked' about Barnes, but Leicester City value the 24-year-old in the region of £50m to £60m.

He tweeted: "Maddison not the only player attracting Newcastle interest. Believe they have also asked about Harvey Barnes but again, Leicester value their homegrown star highly - £50-60m mark."

The Verdict: Big coup

If the Tynesiders could sign Barnes as well as Maddison, it would certainly be a big coup.

Hope claims that the Foxes winger would 'be a tremendous signing' for Newcastle, and it is hard to argue with that, given that his numbers in the Premier League are impressive.

His six goals and 10 assists last season was his best return in the division so far, and he has managed 22 goals and 24 assists in total over the last four campaigns (Transfermarkt).

It may be difficult to sign both players, given that Maddison is also thought to be valued closer to £60m, but if the Magpies could sign the duo, it would send out a real statement of intent to the rest of the top flight.

In the process, they would also be seriously weakening one of their rivals in Leicester.