Ex-Arsenal and Leicester striker Alan Smith has backed Harvey Barnes to be a success if he moves to Newcastle this summer.

The Magpies are said to be keen on signing the winger, along with the likes of West Ham and Manchester United, and Smith says the England international has all the qualities needed to be a big hit at St James’ Park:

“Harvey Barnes is a good player. I think he’s really dangerous when he’s on song. He’s quick and carries the ball really well. He can finish well when he comes inside from the left-hand side.”

“Newcastle have been linked with him and you could see that. He will be a big loss for Leicester but somebody like that won’t want to stay in The Championship. I think whoever signs him will be getting a good player.”

Eddie Howe’s side have been made the favourites to sign Barnes, although Leicester’s £35m to £40m asking price is proving to be an obstacle.

Reports claim that the transfer may only take place if a player, such as Allan Saint-Maximin, is offloaded first so there are enough transfer funds available.

Are Newcastle considering alternative targets to Barnes?

The Magpies have been regularly linked with Juventus’s Federico Chiesa in the Italian press but the feeling is that, at €50m (£43m) to €60m (£51m), the 25-year-old would be too expensive.

Another Juve player, Samuel Iling-Junior, has also been mentioned as a potential option, although he would be one for the future, rather than for the present.

Ajax’s Mohammed Kudus and even the likes of Barcelona pair Ferran Torres and Raphinha have been suggested as alternatives but the feeling is that Barnes is the most realistic and economically viable target. After scoring 13 times in the Premier League last season, the 25-year-old does look to be the best value for money.