West Ham United now in ‘major’ advantage to seal £35m Harvey Barnes transfer as London stance emerges

West Ham United are now at a “major” advantage ahead of Newcastle United in the race to sign Harvey Barnes this summer, according to Football League World.

Despite the Foxes’ disappointing relegation from the Premier League, Barnes enjoyed a fruitful and superb individual campaign scoring 13 goals from his 34 appearances and Leicester City’s relegation means they are set to lose their second prized asset after James Maddison’s move to Tottenham.

West Ham at 'Major' advantage to sign £35m attacker as player stance emerges - report

And The Guardian reported on 5 July that the Magpies were leading the race for Barnes’ signature with West Ham United making him a top attacking target, however, Football League World (11 July) has now reported that the fleet-footed winger prefers a move to London over Tyneside putting the Irons at a “major” advantage.

It is believed that even with their Saudi Arabian riches, Newcastle are currently struggling to make a proposed £35million deal work as they work within Financial Fair Play regulations.

Another twist

Barnes is now expectedly attracting plenty of interest this summer given his apparent and stark attacking qualities from the left-flank and it’s easy to see why Tottenham and Newcastle have also been linked with his services.

After West Ham United were seemingly in pole position to land his services, the East Londoners were then dealt a blow when reports emerged that Newcastle United were favourites which seemed understandable given their Champions League qualification.

However, in yet another major twist in the Barnes saga, the Hammers are now favourites after his preference to join a London club this summer, and for that reason, West Ham United have simply got to make their move while the Magpies struggle with their FFP restrictions.

The winger, previously hailed as “unbelievable” by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, scored 13 goals in 34 top-flight appearances from the left wing and also ranks in the top 10% across Europe’s big five leagues for goals, shots on target and goals per shot amongst wingers, meaning he isn’t afraid to get shots off and certainly knows where the goal is.

West Ham United need goals from all avenues if they are to compete amongst the elite once again and signing Barnes is the best way to kick off their lofty ambitions under their exciting new behind-the-scenes appointment at the London Stadium.

Barnes is simply too good an opportunity to turn down and at £35m, he represents an absolute bargain.