West Ham United in serious move to sign Leicester star Harvey Barnes as £30m bid development emerges
West Ham United have made a serious move to sign Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes and make the winger their first signing of the summer, according to The Telegraph.
The Hammers are at the front of the queue for the England international’s signature, with the club expected to start bidding at £30million, which is well under the Foxes’ £40million valuation of the attacker.
Despite Leicester’s relegation from the Premier League, Barnes, 25, enjoyed an impressive campaign, where he netted 13 goals and ended as the club’s top goalscorer.
The Telegraph wrote: “Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are interested in Barnes, but West Ham have made the most serious move so far and are expected to open negotiations with Leicester now their season is over.
Great option
Jarrod Bowen on one flank and Barnes on the other is a prospect that should leave West Ham fans drooling with excitement.
Although the Foxes endured a tough campaign, which ultimately resulted in relegation, the attacker was still in fine form in front of goal.
From 34 Premier League appearances, the 25-year-old netted an impressive 13 goals as well as a single assist, further suggesting that he won’t be playing Championship football next year.
Barnes would likely have cost the Hammers much more money if Leicester had remained in the Premier League for next season, so all things considered, the £30million doesn’t look like the worst price ever.
With both Manuel Lanzini and Pablo Fornals once again struggling for consistency last season, further options in attack are needed for Moyes to deal with both domestic and European commitments next season.
Barnes ticks all the boxes and the club should go all out for his signature.