Not for the first time since the takeover, Harvey Barnes is again being linked with a transfer to Newcastle United. The Leicester City forward is expected to follow James Maddison out of the club this summer following relegation, with the Magpies one of a host of Premier League clubs tipped to make a move.
Barnes enjoyed another impressive campaign despite the team's struggles, finishing as the club's top scorer with a return of 16 goals in all competitions. Even with two years left on his contract, Leicester will cash-in on the 25-year-old due to their pressing need to balance the books.
Sandro Tonali's arrival was preceded by talk of an imminent for Nicolo Barella, with the reports surrounding the Inter Milan star providing an ideal smokescreen as the Magpies' transfer committee moved forward with negotiations in the other half of the city.
In this instance, will Barnes prove to be the distraction? Newcastle are interested in the Leicester forward, but that is not to say the England international will be the only attacking target on the club's radar.
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The re-emergence of Barnes links drew a surprisingly underwhelmed response from the Toon Army on social media. Leicester are once again playing hardball over their valuation of a Newcastle target, with suggestions over a price tag varying from £35 million to £50m.
Any concerns over value for money are of course valid, with the Magpies now used to battling against or even walking away from inflated demands. But the concerns over Barnes' quality and what he could bring to Eddie Howe's squad following his 'elite' request are ill-placed.
Barnes's return of 13 top-flight strikes last term was only beaten in the Newcastle squad by Callum Wilson, a feat made even more impressive considering Leicester's dismal form. In the past four seasons, the left-sided forward has produced 57 goal contributions in the Premier League alone.
For the same time period, the combined tally for Joelinton and Saint-Maximin trail Barnes by three. Of course, there are a multitude of other metrics which can and should be considered, but in terms of being an outright goal threat, none of Howe's current wide options have a record to rival Barnes.
Newcastle managed a return of 68 goals in the Premier League last season en route to losing just five times and securing a top-four finish. But as opponents began to afford the Magpies increased respect, particularly at St James' Park, Howe's time were frustrated by low-blocks on numerous occasions.
It is difficult to envisage United being able to improve upon their record of losing only five matches, with only Arsenal, Aston Villa, Liverpool (twice), and champions Manchester City besting them. The challenge now is to look to convert as many of those 14 draws as possible into victories.
In short, Newcastle need to sharpen their edge in the final third with the addition of difference-makers. For all of the concerns, Barnes' pedigree in that regard can not be questioned, and his record means he should be viewed as a low-risk option.
On the face of it, the Magpies already boast several candidates capable of making the spot on the left their own. Joelinton and Joe Willock have dovetailed on that flank to great effect, Alexander Isak was shifted wide towards the end of the season, while Anthony Gordon and Allan Saint-Maximin will both be hoping to earn more starts in the new season.
Newcastle ideally need greater competition on the opposing flank despite Miguel Almiron's purple patch, with Jacob Murphy enjoying a run in the side later in the campaign. Barnes' preference to cut inside means he would not be signed with the right-forward position in mind.
United's interest in the former MK Dons and West Brom loanee however hints at a potential rejig for their current options. Gordon's form in a central role for England's under-21s this summer has proven his versatility, and the 22-year-old's capability to play with both feet means he could well be seen as the internal answer to the right-sided question.
The same could well be said for Saint-Maximin, although the Magpies' number 10 has previously stressed his preference to play from the left or even in a central role. Given his cryptic social media post last month, Newcastle's interest in Barnes will do nothing to dispel suggestions they are open to offers for the fan favourite.
Barnes would prove himself an astute addition at St James' Park, regardless of whether he is simply bolstering the ranks or replacing one of Howe's current frontline options. The Foxes star may not boast the appeal of a Federico Chiesa or Moussa Diaby to the Toon Army, but there should be no doubts over whether the forward would represent an upgrade.
