Leicester City attacker Harvey Barnes looks set to follow James Maddison out the door, with Newcastle now edging closer to a deal.
The England international looks set to leave for just £35m, a big decrease on the previously reported £60m asking price last summer, but the Foxes’ relegation has weakened their negotiating position.
Barnes will be a big loss for Leicester, having scored 13 times in all competitions last season, and they will have to replace him well as Enzo Maresca prepares for a difficult season in the Championship.
The winger was important to Leicester not only for his end product, but his speed often stood out as he became one of the team’s main attacking outlets.
Who could Leicester sign to replace Barnes?
Recent reports have linked Leicester with Stephy Mavididi as a possible signing this summer. The former Arsenal academy graduate is currently plying his trade at Montpelier and scored four times in Ligue 1 last season.
A right-footed versatile attacker like Barnes, Mavididi ranks higher among European attackers for his dribbling ability than the Englishman, and in the Championship he could prove to be a deadly addition to the front-line.
Takuma Asano also represents an option. Another former Arsenal attacker, Asano impressed at the World Cup with Japan, and scored three times for Bochum in the Bundesliga last season.
Like Barnes, Asano is strong in the air compared to other wingers, and he could help replace Barnes’ sheer pace going forward, if he is willing to move to the Championship.
If Leicester want to explore the free-agent market, then Nathan Redmond could be an option. The 29-year-old spent last season on loan at Besiktas, providing 12 goals and assists in all competitions, and would arrive with plenty of Championship experience under his belt, if he is keen on a return to England.
It remains to be seen how Maresca will choose to replace Barnes, but this signing could be of the utmost importance as Leicester aim for an immediate return to the top-flight.