Newcastle United transfer news: Magpies to consider Harvey Barnes exit after Anthony Elanga signing?

Newcastle United reportedly make a decision over whether they wish to keep Harvey Barnes at St James' Park.

In 2023, the Magpies spent in the region of £38m to sign the one-cap England international from Leicester City after their relegation to the Championship.

Barnes has since contributed 14 goals and eight assists from his 63 appearances for the North-East outfit, while he still has three years left on his contract.

However, the recent £55m signing of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest may have direct consequences for the 27-year-old.

As per former scout Mick Brown, who is a regular contributor to Football Insider, Newcastle are now open to listening to offers for the playmaker.

Newcastle to consider Barnes offers?

The perception is that Barnes will find himself pushed down the pecking order, at least at the start of the campaign, with Elanga ahead of him in Eddie Howe's thoughts.

Brown is quoted by the outlet as saying: "I wouldn’t be shocked to see Barnes leave Newcastle.. He’s never quite been able to establish himself as a key player with Gordon ahead of him, and now with Elanga there too, it’s going to be difficult.

“From his point of view, he might look to move on if he wants to play more regular football. Then from Newcastle’s point of view, if they feel they can raise good money from his sale, then they might do that and use the money to go elsewhere.

“There’s not going to be any shortage of interest because he can be a top player.

“If Newcastle let him go, there will be a few clubs who go ahead and look to bring him in."

Barnes still has three years left on his contract ahead of Newcastle's return to the Champions League.

Would Barnes jump at Newcastle exit?

At the age of 27, Barnes is in a position where he will crave regular first-team football, whether that be at Newcastle or somewhere else.

Despite Brown's thoughts, it is plausible to expect Barnes to stay put when injury restricted him to just one brief appearances when Newcastle were in the Champions League during 2023-24.

Featuring in that competition was part of the season why he moved to Tyneside and he may be prepared to bide his time, aware that Howe requires squad-depth.

Furthermore, his stock will surely remain high having contributed nine goals and five assists in 33 Premier League appearances last season.