Allan Saint-Maximin twist emerges in West Ham United race to sign Harvey Barnes, Newcastle United talks underway
Newcastle United need to sell Allan Saint-Maximin in order to fund a move for West Ham target Harvey Barnes, according to talkSPORT.
The radio station reported via their Twitter account on Sunday (16 July) that the Magpies hope to sell Saint-Maximin, 26, to Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia so they have the funds to sign Leicester winger Barnes.
It is understood that talks are underway between Saint-Maximin’s advisors and Al-Ahli.
In another tweet, talkSPORT add that Eddie Howe wants to sign 25-year-old Barnes, who is valued at £35million by Leicester.
However, it is understood that the Newcastle manager “expects strong competition from West Ham” in the bid to sign the one-time England international.
Deal back on?
Last week, it looked as though Newcastle were on the verge of signing Barnes.
The Guardian reported on 7 July that West Ham were in pole position to sign the former West Brom loan star but had fallen back in the race because of the Declan Rice deal taking so long to complete.
The Telegraph added that the Magpies had hoped to agree a deal with Leicester within a week – but it seems they have failed to do that.
West Ham look to be back in the race for Barnes now because Rice’s £105million move to Arsenal has been completed and Newcastle are only at the early stages of talks to sell Saint-Maximin to Al-Ahli.
It’s bizarre that a club with the riches of Newcastle would need to sell in order to buy this summer but there’s no doubt that Financial Fair Play is rearing it’s ugly head for the Tynesiders.
As for West Ham, they should be able to easily afford a move for Barnes because of the funds freed up from selling Rice.
If the Irons can get Barnes in and a few other players, their squad will be looking very good ahead of next season.
In other West Ham news, Richard Keys has weighed in on the expensive Rice deal.