All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Wolverhampton Wanderers must wish they had a player like Raul Jimenez in his prime at the club right now.

Gary O’Neil may be able to call on the likes of Mathues Cunha and Hwang Hee-chan, who scored a combined 27 goals between them last season, but neither are truly prolific, out-and-out, strikers.

Goals are crucial for the Old Gold, when you consider that they have scored just three in the Premier League this term. Jimenez would surely score a bucket load if he was in the current side just now.

Raul Jimenez’s Wolves statistics

The striker joined the Molineux side back in the summer of 2018, just as the club were set for their first Premier League campaign for seven years.

His debut season produced 17 goals in all competitions as the Old Gold secured a seventh place finish, and it got even better during 2019/20.

The Mexican netted 27 goals in 55 matches, showcasing his talents in Europe too, as the club reached the quarter-finals of the Europa League.

As injuries began to take hold, Jimenez never returned to these heights again, registering tallies of four, six, and three over the following three seasons, before he was sold to Fulham last summer.

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2022/23

20

3

1

2021/22

36

6

5

2020/21

11

4

0

2019/20

55

27

10

2018/19

44

17

7

Via Transfermarkt

Cunha and Hwang stepped up last season for the Midlands side, but having a striker who is a traditional number nine would give O’Neil a major advantage, something which he lacked last term.

Might the club be brewing their next Jimenez with an academy sensation who could be ready to take the next step in their career? As Dani Angel looks like a promising talent.

Dani Angel could be the next Raul Jimenez

The 18-year-old signed for Wolves in October 2023, coming from a futsal background, yet the professional environment clearly didn’t faze the youngster, as he scored an impressive ten goals in just 18 appearances in the U18 Premier League last season.

“Dani is a pacy forward who wants to run in behind and score goals,” said Harry Hooman, the club’s head of UK academy recruitment.

“He will give our under-18s group something different and is coming in with a hunger to improve and show us what he can do at a higher level.”

The Spaniard has made the step-up this term, playing three games in the Premier League 2, scoring once, while even featuring for the club in their EFL Trophy match against Port Vale at the start of the month.

He failed to score or register a shot on target in what was a tough challenge against senior opposition, but the more Angel is exposed to these sorts of environments, the better he will become.

While it may be premature to say he could be the next big thing to come from the academy, Angel has demonstrated how effective he is in front of goal during his spell for the U18s.

Filling Jimenez’s boots is a tough challenge. Could Angel be the striker who eventually makes the step-up? Only time will tell.

Wolves must regret losing big-money star who's better than Gomes

Wolves could use their ex-star who is even better than Gomes.

1 ByConnor Holden Sep 13, 2024

West Bromwich Albion are still unbeaten in the Championship during the early stages of the season, with three wins and one draw picked up from their opening four second-tier clashes.

Convincingly putting Queens Park Rangers to the sword on the opening day 3-1, the style of win that got Carlos Corberan's men over the line versus Swansea City last time out was a little more defensive in approach however, as a Jayson Molumby strike in first-half stoppage time secured a 1-0 victory.

Only shippingtwo goals across this unbeaten patch of fixtures, it's clear to see that Corberan's men excel when games turn into a backs-against-the-wall type of affair, with the Baggies only boosted at the back further by the surprise deadline day addition of Mason Holgate.

Holgate's transfer to West Brom

This will actually be Holgate's second time pulling on a West Brom strip, having starred at the Hawthorns on loan during the 2018/19 season in the Championship, which ended in the West Midlands side missing out on promotion via the play-offs.

Corberan and Co will hope the 6-foot defender coming back for another spell can see promotion happen this time around after finding his minutes had significantly dried up at Goodison Park under Sean Dyche of late, with only 16 minutes gifted to him for the Toffees this campaign during the disastrous opener versus Brighton and Hove Albion.

The 27-year-old is fondly remembered for playing his part in West Brom sealing a play-off spot, with a mightily impressive total of 7.6 duels won per match during that very season, as the former Baggies number 68 put his neck on the line time after time for his loan side.

With Cedric Kipre no longer at Corberan's disposal, Holgate will be able to offer the Championship promotion candidates another body unafraid to roll his sleeves up for the cause at the back, alongside the already imperious set of defenders at the Hawthorns in Kyle Bartley, Semi Ajayi and more.

Still, although he has 137 Premier League appearances under his belt, Holgate's transfer value – as per Football Transfers – has taken a gigantic hit owing to his lesser ranking now in the Toffees pecking order, with the former England U21 international once worth a staggering £19m back in October of 2022.

Now, he's worth just £1.5m, as he aims to get back to his previous best moving down a division, next to established West Brom first-team face Darnell Furlong, who is actually worth more than the once exciting Toffees youngster.

Furlong's transfer value in 2024

The former Queens Park Rangers ace showed how pivotal he is to Corberan's men versus Luke Williams' Swans, with this last-ditch tackle denying what could have been a game-changing goal in favour of the Welsh visitors.

Market Movers

Football FanCast's Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club's star player or biggest flop worth today?

The 28-year-old right-back's value stands at a hefty £2.3m as a result of his concrete spot in the West Brom first-team, with Furlong ever-present in his side's last 52 second-tier games on the trot.

Minutes played

90

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

62

Accurate passes

31/34 (91%)

Key passes

2

Clearances

2

Interceptions

2

Tackles

1

Duels won

7/10

It's clear from his top-drawer display against Swansea why Corberan continues to pick Furlong week in week out, with a 91% pass accuracy managed and two key passes tallied up as a bright presence going forward, as much as he can also be dogged defensively.

Holgate can operate in a similar fashion too, with the reserve Everton figure capable of slotting in at full-back if needed, which could prove to be useful to the Baggies as the season progresses.

Still, Furlong continues to prove his worth away from any new recruits joining, more than justifying the £1.5m spent on his services back in 2019, by now being worth nearly £1m more.

West Brom hit gold on Hawthorns ace who's now worth more than Thomas-Asante

West Bromwich Albion fans will hope this star can deliver week in week out this season.

ByKelan Sarson Aug 18, 2024

Manchester City have made a dream start to their 2024/25 campaign, having won their opening three competitive fixtures. They have so far played in the Community Shield and Premier League, and find themselves three wins from three in a season where they will be hoping to reclaim their treble from 2023/24, of which they now only have the English top flight to their name.

Their first outing of the new campaign saw the Cityzens get a 1-1 draw and then a penalty victory over Manchester United at Wembley. It was a game in which Bernardo Silva bailed them out with a late equaliser after Alejandro Garnacho gave the Red Devils the lead before City went on to win on penalties.

In the first Premier League game of the season for the team in sky blue, it was a routine 2-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Goals from Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic against his former club ensured the Cityzens left west London with all three points, before the towering Norwegian bagged a treble in the 4-1 thumping of Ipswich Town.

Perhaps surprisingly, it has not been a very busy summer transfer window yet at the Etihad Stadium, although they have had one major outgoing in particular, and they might not be done yet when it comes to making new signings, either.

Man City’s major outgoing so far

The major outgoing for Pep Guardiola’s side this summer has been the sale of Julian Alvarez. The 24-year-old, who was seen as a long-term replacement for Sergio Aguero when he signed for the club, left to join Spanish giants Atletico Madrid.

According to reports, the deal City got for selling the World Cup winner with Argentina saw remarkable profit. They sold him for an initial fee of £64m, with add-ons which could total up to a potential £17.1m more, making the deal worth a total of £81.5m.

Although he was only at the club for two seasons, the former River striker won some of the biggest trophies in world football, including the Premier League twice and the Champions League, and was a key part of the treble-winning squad in 2023/24.

In total, he played 103 games for the Cityzens, scoring 36 times and registering 18 assists, and showed real versatility, often being the player Guardiola would turn to if he needed someone to slot into an unfamiliar attacking position.

Position

Games

Goals

Assists

Centre-forward

49

19

6

Second striker

22

8

6

Attacking midfielder

16

6

5

Right-winger

4

3

1

Left-winger

1

0

0

Left midfielder

1

0

0

He struggled to lock down a place at centre-forward, due to Erling Haaland making that position his own over the two years he has been at the club, hence his decision to leave the club for pastures anew in the 2024/25 campaign.

Man City's replacement for Alvarez

According to a report from the Athletic earlier this week, the Cityzens might have already found their replacement for Alvarez. The Premier League champions are thought to be ‘weighing up a move’ for Celtic and Japan international striker Kyogo Furuhashi, who is valued at £20m by the Scottish giants.

He has a superb record for Celtic, after being brought to the club by then-manager Ange Postecoglou. In 135 games for the Bhoys, the Japan international has scored 73 goals and registered 16 assists in just 135 games.

There are certainly similarities between Furuhashi and City legend Aguero. Like the Argentine, he is a small striker, standing at 5 foot 5 with Aguero slightly taller at 5 foot 6. However, he also possesses elite movement, especially in the penalty box, which former manager Postecoglou called “the best I’ve ever seen”.

The former City striker was described as “an excellent penalty box striker” by one Spanish news outlet when he joined Barcelona in 2021, further showing the similarities between the two strikers, and reinforcing the fact he could be the Argentine’s heir.

Aguero himself was spellbinding for the Cityzens, and his record speaks volumes. Aside from all of the goals he scored, the former City number ten helped the club to five Premier League titles and won the Golden Boot once.

Spurs boss Posteocglou was clearly a big fan of the Japanese striker whilst he managed him at Celtic Park. The Australian described him as “outstanding”, and his record and general centre-forward play in the penalty box certainly shows why he was described in such a way by the former Celtic manager.

It may well seem like a surprise move from the Cityzens, but Guardiola loved Aguero before his departure from the Etihad Stadium, claiming that the club “cannot replace him”.

However, he may have found a striker to do just that, adding a very similar profile to his squad once more. For just £20m, this seems like it could be yet another masterstroke from Guardiola and City.

Offer made: Man City pursuing Sane 2.0 in £148m sensation

He is thought to be unhappy at his current club

1 ByJoe Nuttall Aug 22, 2024

Southampton were desperately unlucky to walk away from their opening Premier League fixture versus Newcastle United empty-handed, in a game that was certainly feisty.

The major moment of controversy came when Saints striker Ben Brereton-Diaz fell to the floor after an altercation with Fabian Schar in the first 45 minutes, as the Chilean striker theatrically collapsed to the ground, resulting in the Swiss centre-back receiving his marching orders for an apparent headbutt.

That man advantage didn't pay off in the end for Russell Martin's visitors, however, as a goalkeeper error by Alex McCarthy allowed Joelinton to win the game 1-0, courtesy of a calm finish.

There will have been plenty of encouraging takeaways from the heated contest though, despite the final outcome, as their business in the transfer window continues.

Southampton closing in on new transfer

As per Portuguese outlet A Bola, and now further backed up by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Southampton are edging closer and closer to snapping up Portuguese youngster Mateus Fernandes this summer.

Romano, via his social media, has confirmed that a deal will take place shortly, as the Saints continue to press on with more and more new additions, to help in their bid to stay up in the Premier League.

Starring out on loan with Estoril Praia last season, away from parent employers Sporting CP, the time could be right for Fernandes to spread his wings and move to England, to compete with the likes of Will Smallbone, Flynn Downes and more for a central starting spot.

What Fernandes can offer Southampton

The 20-year-old could become Southampton's next Gaston Ramirez, who arrived to the South Coast in 2012 as a bolt from the blue purchase, before going on to become an entertaining, attacking midfielder for Saints fans to enjoy watching.

Much like their former Uruguayan, Fernandes has excelled for Sporting when operating as a midfielder who is unafraid to drive forward and create openings, away from his standard duties, as seen in the sublime assist (above) he offered up playing for the Portuguese giants in the past.

Ramirez bagged eight goals and picked up eight assists from 55 Saints appearances playing in a similar vain, with his debut season really sticking out as a high point, as the now 33-year-old amassed five goals and three assists to ensure Nigel Adkins' men stayed afloat in the top-flight.

Total shots

1.99

0.60

Shot-creating actions

4.55

3.82

Passes attempted

44.55

56.22

Pass completion %

70.2%

80.4%

Progressive passes

4.55

5.33

Progressive carries

1.99

2.63

Successful take-ons

2.28

1.11

Progressive passes received

6.79

2.19

Looking at the above table, there are many similarities between the raw Sporting attacking midfielder and Ramirez, who won himself a move to Sampdoria off the back of his time with Southampton, with his 17/18 season taking place in Italy subsequently.

Very similar in terms of their ability to take players on, alongside their quality to progress their team up the pitch, the "exceptional" youngster – as he has been labelled by football analyst Ben Mattinson for his delicate range of passing – could prove to be a hit in his new location.

Fernandes would offer something different away from the old guard of Smallbone, Downes and Joe Aribo that Martin currently has at his disposal, who all performed well at St James' Park, but would have trudged off the pitch despondent that they couldn't slice open the Magpies defence for a winning goal.

Nottingham Forest are next up for the lively South Coast outfit in the top flight, with an expectation that they will be able to add points onto the board off the back of this home clash.

A better signing than Ioannidis: Southampton keen on £17m ace

Southampton aren’t slowing down on the transfer front.

ByKelan Sarson Aug 15, 2024

Celtic have scouted Gwangju FC’s Eom Ji-sung and Jeong Ho-yeon ahead of possible Parkhead moves, according to reports.

What’s the latest Celtic transfer news?

The Hoops will back new manager Brendan Rodgers in the transfer market this summer and have already done so by securing a move for midfielder Odin Thiago Holm. The Norwegian has signed a five-year deal in Glasgow and could well be the first of many through the door.

According to reports, Celtic are also interested in signing Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi. Alongside the Nigerian who Rodgers knows well, a significant bid has also been made for Yang Hyun-jun from Gangwon FC.

Yang isn’t the only K League 1 target, though, with a Celtic transfer update emerging on both Eom and Jeong. According to The Daily Record, Rodgers is set to make the most of Celtic’s foothold in the Far East, with Celtic making their first move by scouting both Eom and Jeong from Gwangju.

Who are Eom Ji-sung and Jeong Ho-yeon?

It looks as if Rodgers is keen to continue looking at the Asian market, with former manager Ange Postecoglou bringing in the likes of Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate and Oh Hyeon-gyu from Japan and South Korea, but who are the two new targets in question?

Starting off with Eom – the South Korean is primarily a left-winger but can also play on the right or as an attacking midfielder.

The 21-year-old is valued at a career-high €650,000 by Transfermarkt and has progressed through Gwangju’s academy, making 77 senior appearances for the club, scoring 15 times and providing four assists.

Jeong is one year older than his teammate and is mainly a defensive midfielder who can also turn out slightly further forward if needed. Like Eom, Jeong also came through Gwangju’s youth system and holds a career-high €325,000 Transfermarkt valuation.

The midfielder took time out at Dankook University but has made a total of 55 senior appearances for his current employers, contributing to seven goals, and by the looks of it, they could soon be making their way to Scotland, should Celtic firm up their interest over the coming weeks.

Brendan Rodgers is just a "pipe dream" appointment for Leeds United, according to presenter Conor McGilligan.

Rodgers could potentially be set rejoin Celtic four years after departing the Scottish Champions for Leicester City, but there were reports that Leeds could make a late push.

What is the latest Brendan Rodgers news?

According to a report from BBC Sport, Celtic have advanced talks with Rodgers over a potential return to Celtic Park, and despite the fact no deal has been reached, the Northern Irishman is the club's priority appointment.

The former Liverpool manager enjoyed a stellar time during his last spell at Celtic, winning two Scottish league titles, three Scottish league cups, and two Scottish cups, including an invincible season and two trebles.

A report from Scotland stated that Leeds were attempting to hijack Celtic's deal for the recently sacked Leicester manager, however, a new report states that the recently relegated Whites will instead pursue other managerial targets as it was suggested that Rodgers is not willing to take the step down to Championship football.

What did Conor McGilligan say about the situation?

Speaking on the One Leeds Fan Channel, McGilligan hit back after hearing reports Rodgers is leaning more towards a potential return to Parkhead this summer:

"I think we knew all along, I’ve not been getting carried away with it, the lads behind the scenes on the debrief they have not been getting carried away with the Brendan Rodgers either, it’s a bit of a pipe dream, it always has been a bit of a pipe dream, to be honest with you.

"A manager of Liverpool finishing second in a title race, a manager who has won an FA Cup, a manager who has already battered the Championship, getting him back down to the Championship even on a big financial package was going to be difficult."

Would Leeds United be a smart move for Brendan Rodgers?

Leeds seemingly need an overhaul after a really disappointing campaign which resulted in relegation, with their defence being the worst in the league last season. Rodgers has a fantastic record in the Championship, with his Swansea side winning promotion via the play-offs the last time he competed in the division.

For Rodgers, who has been hailed as a "genius" in the past, the uncertainty around Leeds United with the pending ownership change and players who may want to leave following relegation in addition to the drop-down in divisions may turn the Northern Irishman away from the club, instead opting for a chance to win league titles and domestic cups in Scotland with Celtic to rebuild his reputation quickly.

Should the former Leicester City manager decide to join Leeds, it would be a major coup for the club, and surely make them one of the favorites to come straight back up.

England manager Gareth Southgate has warned Jack Grealish over his antics during the Manchester City celebrations after winning the treble.

What did Gareth Southgate say about Jack Grealish?

The winger has made plenty of headlines over the past week or so as he's widely enjoyed letting off some steam after Pep Guardiola and his team secured the Premier League, the Champions League and the FA Cup over the course of the past season.

For instance, he was even spotted on camera drunkenly begging City teammate Bernardo Silva not to leave in the summer, while more footage has seen him ambling around Manchester, often with Champagne in hand.

Despite all this, Grealish's season isn't tenchially over as he's part of the England squad which will play Euro 2024 qualifiers over the next few days – first against Malta, and then North Macedonia.

With this in mind, manager Southgate has been talking to the press about the player's off-field antics, suggesting that he best not cross the line.

He told the press (via TalkSport): "There is a line but in our head we weren't thinking of including the City players for this game.

"I have spoken with the players. We have talked about where the focus needs to be, where we need them to be and acknowledged what they have experienced and that's for me to manage.

"A few of our players would be teetotal. What is different is that everyone posts everything [on social media]. I wouldn't have liked a few of my nights out to be posted publicly. My generation would have a lot more problems."

Will Grealish play for England against Malta?

It's nice to see that Southgate at least understanding Grealish's behaviour and not coming down too hard on him – admitting that his on genertation would have been worse. Although, he did also suggest that none of the City players will featute against Malta.

And for the most part, it seems most of the footballing community has been able to enjoy the Man City man living it up, even if he has looked a bit worse for wear at times.

Pundit Gabby Agbonlahor explained on TalkSport why the former Aston Villa captain has every right to let off a little steam.

He said: “You’ve done the work, played in multiple games this season, had the sleepless nights after games – people don’t see that part of it where you’re shattered, you’re dehydrated, you can’t eat after games, people don’t see the side of footballers where they’re putting the work in and how difficult it is to be a professional footballer.

“They’ve done and now it’s time to celebrate. The celebrations are on hold for England duty and they’ll continue after England duty because he’ll have more time off and it’s deserved.

“I just see a lad who is living the dream. He’s won the treble and he’s celebrating as he should do.”

Arsenal have been linked to a La Liga star ahead of the transfer window, as Mikel Arteta aims to strengthen his squad this summer.

The Gunners have followed Spanish teen Ivan Fresneda since January, however, there may be a pending breakthrough in their pursuit of the starlet

What’s the latest on Ivan Fresneda to Arsenal?

As reported by one Spanish publication, the Real Valladolid defender will be available for half the price than expected, following the club’s relegation from La Liga.

Prior to their demotion to the second division, the 18-year-old’s release clause has halved from €40m (£34m) to just €20m (£17m).

The report claims that Arsenal are joined by Newcastle United and Borussia Dortmund in maintaining long-standing interest in the youngster.

What could Ivan Fresneda bring to Arsenal?

At just 18, the Spaniard made 22 appearances in La Liga this campaign, and was lauded as being one of the ‘revelations of the season’ by Matt Clark of La Liga Lowdown.

The La Liga expert described the youngster as ‘remarkably complete’ with a strong ‘technical ability’, which suggests he could be a strong fit for Arsenal, particularly when considering right-backs that have graced the Emirates prior.

Former Arsenal right-back and fellow Spaniard Hector Bellerin could see the glory days of his stint in north London emulated by the Madrid-born teen, should he opt to trade Valladolid for Islington.

Bellerin burst onto the scene in 2014, making his debut aged 19 after spending some time in Arsenal’s academy from Barcelona.

Following his debut, the youngster rarely slipped out of the surroundings at the Emirates, and was hailed by Arsene Wenger as being a player that was “dangerous going forward” as well as committing to defensive duties.

Similar praise has been placed upon Fresneda, with Clark saying in full: “He is a remarkably complete right-back despite his young age, balancing his defensive duties with the odd attack too.”

Approval from viewers of the duo’s talents isn’t as far as the comparisons go, with their numbers from various campaigns supporting claims of their similarities.

In Bellerin’s dominant 2017/18 season at Arsenal in the Premier League, the defender showcased his attributes going forward and defensively, highlighted by statistics via Sofascore.

The Spanish speedster created eight big chances, while maintaining an average pass accuracy of 85% per game and unleashing 54% successful dribbles per match, showcasing his strength going forward.

As per Sofascore, similar numbers were recorded by the teenager in La Liga this campaign, carving out three big chances, an 81% passing accuracy and a 44% rate of successful dribbles per game.

While his numbers are expectedly lower than Bellerin’s in his prime compared to this term being his breakthrough, the pattern is there to portray the similarities between the two and the impact he could replicate at Arsenal.

Defensively, the 18-year-old mirrors Bellerin’s 0.7 interceptions per game, and exceeds the former Premier League ace’s rate of tackles per game, recording an impressive 2.2 to the former Arsenal defender's 1.6 in the 2017/18 term.

Arteta could secure the signing of a young right-back that could give fans glimpses of the highs that Bellerin gave to the Emirates in the past, and at such a young age, could develop into a formidable force in the Spaniard’s future defence.

Manchester United have held “detailed talks” over moves for Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund and Eintracht Frankfurt forward Randal Kolo Muani.

What’s the latest Man United transfer news?

The Red Devils don’t appear to be wasting any time when it comes to bolstering their squad, with Erik ten Hag seemingly wanting the majority of the club’s summer business done early.

There could well be a number of new faces arriving at Old Trafford, with Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount potentially one of the first through the door.

Reports in recent days have suggested that personal terms have been agreed with the England international, with a move expected to go through, and it looks as if focus is also on bringing in a new striker.

According to Red Devils correspondent Laurie Whitwell, the club have held discussions to sign Hojlund and Kolo Muani, with the reporter also touching on links to Mount.

“MUFC hold detailed talks over Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund. Erik ten Hag ideally wants a young forward plus an experienced one. Hojlund, 20, falls into former category. Frankfurt's Randal Kolo Muani also discussed.

“Negotiations on over Mason Mount.”

Who are Hojlund and Kolo Muani?

The pair look like alternative targets to Harry Kane or Victor Osimhen, with a new striker seemingly needed after the club scored 58 Premier League goals last season – the fewest of any top-six side.

Hojlund only signed for Atalanta last year but is already catching the eye and has been hailed as an "absolute monster in the making" by football scout Jacek Kulig. The 20-year-old is a Denmark international and has scored nine times in 33 appearances for his current employers.

Meanwhile, Kolo Muani is four years older than Hojlund at 24 and has more experience at the highest level than the Atalanta gem.

The France international has been in career-best form this season, netting 23 goals in all competitions and has been hailed as "special" by sections of the media.

Therefore, United may need to decide if they want to go all out for a proven Premier League scorer like Kane, target an impressive European forward such as Kolo Muani or Osimhen or take a gamble on an up-and-coming youngster like Hojlund.

It will be a big decision for Old Trafford officials to make, and should they get it wrong, the club’s struggles in front of goal could well continue heading into Ten Hag’s second season in charge.

Newcastle United transfer target Harvey Barnes is keen on a move to the club during the summer transfer window, a new update has claimed.

Is Barnes expected to leave Leicester?

The Magpies have been linked with a host of players ahead of what could be a significant summer for them, having been boosted by qualifying for next season's Champions League.

Barnes is one player who has emerged as a potential target, having done his best to help Leicester avoid relegation from the Premier League this season, scoring 12 times in the competition and also registering one assist.

The £40,000-a-week attacker may end up leaving the King Power Stadium at the end of the season, though, alongside Foxes teammate James Maddison, who also appears to be a primary target and is interested in a move to Newcastle, and it looks as though the situation is similar with Barnes.

Could Newcastle sign Barnes?

According to Football Insider, Barnes is "keen on joining Newcastle United if they push hard for his signature this summer". He is thought to be "one of three English creative or attacking midfielders" that the Magpies are eyeing up, with Maddison and Mason Mount the other two players in question.

It is even stated that the one-time capped England international, who shares the same agency as manager Eddie Howe, "will quit Leicester City this summer regardless of whether the Foxes escape relegation on the Premier League final day or not."

Barnes is someone who could be viewed as an eye-catching option for Newcastle this summer, having been a key figure for Leicester over an extended period now, who prior to the final day, scored 44 goals and chipped in with 32 assists in 186 appearances for the club. He was once described as "sensational" by Gary Lineker in 2019, and he could offer the Magpies extra pace and directness in wide areas, often adopting a left-sided role with the ability to either cut inside or go on the outside.

To have stood out for a struggling side like Leicester shows the impact that Barnes could have with better players around him – the same applies to Maddison, too – so there is every chance that he could find an extra gear in a Newcastle shirt, benefiting from the vision of Bruno Guimaraes, and providing for and linking with the likes of Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson in the attacking third.