Leicester City are playing hardball for a fee for Harvey Barnes with Newcastle United still interested in the England international with a price tag of £50million now being mooted.
But, like the James Maddison transfer saga, the Foxes are proving to be tough sellers for the 25-year-old. Newcastle are keen to follow up on their capture of Sandro Tonali after the Italian star arrived on Tyneside on Wednesday.
Barnes' deal with Leicester has two years left and there is also interest from Tottenham - who saw one bid rejected earlier in the summer - and West Ham. The Hammers are set for a cash boost after the sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal and can offer Europa League action to Barnes.
However, Newcastle also feel they are in a good position and can offer Barnes a great deal and Champions League football.
READ MORE: Newcastle United's six potential departures that could boost Eddie Howe's transfer hopes
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Allan Saint-Maximin's future to determine next Newcastle signing?
One of the recurring themes around St James' Park this summer has been that the Magpies need to offload Saint-Maximin in order to land another big money buy like Barnes. This would make sense in terms of FFP but the final decision was said to be in the French winger's hands in the opinion of Eddie Howe last season.
With the players set to return for pre-season training and Saint-Maximin linked with clubs around Europe and the Saudi Pro League, the next few days will offer more insight for fans.
Youngster returns to Newcastle training base
Newcastle United youngster Jamie Miley has returned to training with the club's Under-21s. The older brother of first-team debutant Lewis, who came on against Chelsea in the 1-1 draw on the final day, was offered a new contract at the end of last season.
The 19-year-old was back at Little Benton as Ben Dawson's Under-21s reported for training. He was joined by a clutch of players that Eddie Howe has had in first-team training since taking over.
Both the Miley brothers, Jay Turner-Cooke, Luca De Bolle and Joe White were all back at work.
