Newcastle United hold a ‘significant interest’ in Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes and are weighing up a bid for the player, according to journalist Hannah Perkins.

The Lowdown: Newcastle linked with many wingers

The Magpies have been linked with numerous wingers this summer as Eddie Howe looks to bolster his options in the final third.

Bayer Leverkusen ace Moussa Diaby has been regularly touted with a move to St James’ Park, but a £60m price tag has proven prohibitive for the Tyneside club.

Anthony Gordon of Everton and Jack Harrison of Leeds have also been namedropped as transfer targets for Newcastle, but like Diaby, the Magpies’ valuations of the players fall significantly below the Premier League clubs’ respective asking prices.

The Latest: Interest in Barnes

Perkins has revealed the Magpies’ latest attacking target, adding to the ever-growing list of potential additions for Howe this summer.

Taking to Twitter, the journalist claimed: “I’m told #Newcastle hold a significant interest in #Leicester’s Harvey Barnes.

“#LCFC have set a £50m asking price for the winger who’s under contract until 2025. #NUFC are weighing up placing a formal bid. I understand Eddie Howe is a 'huge admirer' of the 24-year-old.”

The Verdict: Great signing

With 32 goals and 29 assists in 145 appearances for the Foxes, it is no surprise to hear of the Magpies’ apparent interest in Barnes.

As per FBRef, when compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the 24-year-old ranks in the 97th percentile for assists, the 91st percentile for progressive carries and the 88th percentile for touches in the attacking penalty area.

Dubbed an ‘unbelievable player’ by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, Barnes’ arrival at St James’ Park would provide Newcastle with an alternative attacking threat which would allow Howe to rotate and change tactics during games.

Therefore, if the club can negotiate down the reported £50m fee and execute a transfer, this could be a great prospective signing for the Magpies