Former Republic of Ireland international Tony Cascarino does not believe Harvey Barnes is up to the required standard needed by Newcastle United this summer.
The highly-rated Leicester City winger has been linked with a move to Tyneside, along with teammate James Maddison, following the Foxes' surprise relegation from the Premier League last month, alerting a host of clubs to his availability.
With Toon boss Eddie Howe plotting some extensive squad investment this summer as he prepares his side for the Champions League next term, there have been suggestions the 25-year-old would be ideal to fit the St James' Park system.
Cascarino, however, believes that Barnes, who netted 13 times in 34 league outings last season, is not quite at the level needed by Newcastle at this stage in his career.
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“Harvey Barnes is slightly different (to Maddison) because he’s a bit one-dimensional, but he gets good numbers,” he told talkSPORT. “He wants to just go past a fullback and drive into the 18-yard box. He has a nice left foot and he likes hitting things early.
“Again, would you put him in a team that’s in the Champions League? If you are asking for Champions League money, then they have to be in Champions League teams.
“As much as I like Harvey Barnes. I don’t think he is a Champions League player, at this moment.”
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