Newcastle United are prepared to listen to offers for Harvey Barnes this summer following the signing of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest.
That is according to former Man United and Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 27-year-old has been pushed down the pecking order under Eddie Howe.
The winger has struggled to establish himself as a regular first-XI player while competing with Anthony Gordon, who will remain the first-choice alongside Elanga.
This comes after Football Insider revealed in May that Barnes could be interested in leaving Newcastle in search of more regular first-team football alongside Joe Willock.
Should the Magpies make him available this summer, a number of Premier League clubs will be put on alert as they have been closely tracking his situation.
Brown previously told Football Insider that Aston Villa are interested in Barnes after Marcus Rashford returned to Man United following his loan spell.
Newcastle United make Harvey Barnes exit decision
Brown told Football Insider in June that Newcastle will let Barnes leave if they can bring in a new winger, with Elanga at the top of their then list of targets.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that it would not be a surprise to see the winger leave St James’ Park this summer.
“I wouldn’t be shocked to see Barnes leave Newcastle,” he told Football Insider.
“He’s never quite been able to establish himself as a key player with Gordon ahead of him, and now with Elanga there too, it’s going to be difficult.
“From his point of view, he might look to move on if he wants to play more regular football.
“Then from Newcastle’s point of view, if they feel they can raise good money from his sale, then they might do that and use the money to go elsewhere.
“There’s not going to be any shortage of interest because he can be a top player.
“If Newcastle let him go, there will be a few clubs who go ahead and look to bring him in.
“It’s the type of move which might be best for all parties at this stage.”
Alexander Isak to Liverpool update emerges after Ekitike latest
Barnes is not the only player to be linked with a move away from St James’ Park in recent days, as Alexander Isak’s future has been up in the air.
Football Insider warned on 18 July that Liverpool could move towards signing Isak if he pushes to leave Newcastle this summer amid ongoing speculation.
However, with the Reds now closing in on the mega-money signing of Newcastle target Hugo Ekitike, the Magpies have been boosted over Isak’s future.
This comes after Football Insider revealed that Newcastle believe Liverpool were trying to unsettle Isak by making their interest public in recent weeks.
