Harvey Barnes is among the players on Aston Villa’s transfer shortlist as they try to add pace to their attack for next season’s Champions League campaign.
Villa have qualified for Europe’s top club competition for the second time in three years and will look to improve their squad this summer – though staying in line with spending rules is an ongoing challenge.
Barnes has two years remaining on his Newcastle contract and is a proven creator and scorer from wide areas. He scored 16 goals in all competitions this season, including six in the Champions League, and his speed would also make Villa more dangerous on the counter-attack. Barnes is right-footed but can play on either flank.
For Villa, the transfer market will be another balancing act, and Barnes, 28, would not come cheap.
He joined Newcastle from Leicester three years ago and the Magpies would be looking to recoup the majority of the £38million fee. The possibility of fellow attacker Anthony Gordon moving to Bayern Munich could also influence Newcastle’s stance on Barnes.
Yet Barnes may be attracted by the idea of continuing to play in the Champions League and moving to Villa would mean he could be closer to his family, who are based in the Midlands.
Newcastle star Harvey Barnes, right, is among the players on Aston Villa’s transfer shortlist
Staying in line with spending rules is an ongoing challenge for Unai Emery and his side
Villa’s activity this summer may centre around how successfully they can sell. It is believed the club are open to offers for Morgan Rogers, who is valued at around £80million, as it would give them room for manoeuvre in the market.
Boss Unai Emery would like at least one new winger, as well as another midfielder and – if Emi Martinez moves on – a goalkeeper. James Trafford remains their No 1 target for that position.
