Newcastle have left the door wide open for West Ham to sign key target Harvey Barnes as a Sky Sports reporter sets the record straight.
West Ham are not out of the race with Newcastle United to sign exciting Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes just yet it seems.
Because claims that Newcastle had swooped to beat frontrunners West Ham to Barnes have been dismissed out of hand.
Last month journalist Matt Law had claimed West Ham were leading the race for Barnes, but warned Newcastle were also circling.
Both The Telegraph and talkSPORT also claimed West Ham were closing in on the exciting capture of Barnes.
Newcastle leave door wide open for West Ham to sign key target Harvey Barnes as Sky Sports reporter sets the record straight
That changed last week with the likes of The Telegraph reporting that the Magpies had all but sealed a deal for the 25-year-old.
We reported on Hammers News at the weekend that there was a glimmer of hope for David Moyes with Eddie Howe making Moussa Diaby his prime target over Barnes.
In actual fact it’s more than a glimmer as a journalist in the north east sets the record straight.
Newcastle have left the door wide open for West Ham to sign key target Barnes as a Sky Sports reporter sets the record straight.
Keith Downie is well connected at Newcastle.
‘Interest but no bid and an agreement isn’t close’ says man in the know at Newcastle
And he claims reports over the last week of a deal being all but done have massively jumped the gun.
“My understanding of the Harvey Barnes situation is both Newcastle and the player are keen — however an agreement between clubs as it stands isn’t close,” Downie said late on on Sunday night.
“Newcastle have registered interest in the 25yo but a lot of work to do and potential transfer is in early stages.
“No bid had been made at this stage. Eddie Howe, though, is a big fan of Barnes’ direct running and goal involvement.”
West Ham still have a chance to outbid Newcastle – who are only willing to pay £25m
Downie’s late night update will give West Ham encouragement that a deal can still be done for Barnes.
And it comes amid claims from the likes of The Daily Mail that Newcastle are only willing to pay £25m for Barnes.
The Magpies are working under tight FFP restrictions and have just spent a large chunk of their summer transfer window budget on £55m signing Sandro Tonali.
So if West Ham get their house in order they still have a chance to outbid Newcastle and rescue a deal for their key target.
MORE WEST HAM NEWS
West Ham get answer on exciting Mali striker and it’s brilliant news for Man United.
Positive Onana development for West Ham as Everton move for ‘tall Wilshere’.
Big Maguire issue at Man United sees West Ham push hard for 6ft 5in man mountain instead.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
