Newcastle United lead the race to sign Leicester City’s Harvey Barnes, with the Magpies keen to meet the $58 million asking price set by the Foxes.

Eddie Howe is keen to add the winger to his squad before the team goes away on their pre-season tour. However, the Guardian have revealed that Tottenham and Aston Villa remain interested.

Harvey Barnes attracting interest, but Newcastle lead race

Barnes ranks high on Newcastle’s wish list, and the potential signing of the winger could lead to Allan Saint-Maximin’s departure. The current Toon winger is attracting interest from the Saudi Pro League.

Newcastle will step up their interest in Barnes after formally announcing the signing of Sandro Tonali, as Howe looks to add options to his forward line ahead of the club’s return to the Champions League.

The Magpies may be able to tempt Leicester to sell Barnes for a cut-price, as the Foxes allowed James Maddison to leave for Tottenham in a $48m deal earlier in the summer.

Newcastle could yet face a fight to secure their man, with Aston Villa and Tottenham also in the running. Meanwhile, West Ham could enter the race after receiving a British-record fee for Declan Rice.