Newcastle close in on signing of Harvey Barnes from Leicester

The Magpies have been in talks with the relegated Foxes over the 25-year-old for some time and have eventually struck a deal which it is understood will cost them around £38million, close to City™s £40million valuation.

Newcastle are confident personal terms will not be an issue as they look to add a player they have coveted all summer to a squad already bolstered by the £53million signing of AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali.

Barnes has played no part in his current club's pre-season friendlies to date and was not expected to be among the party flying out to Thailand this week.

Should matters be concluded quickly, he could be part of Newcastle's trip to the United States instead.

However, his impending arrival comes as Allan Saint-Maximin's time at St James' Park appear to be drawing to a close.

He was absent from the squad for Tuesday night™s 2-1 friendly victory at Rangers with head coach Eddie Howe confirming afterwards that the 26-year-old Frenchman, who has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, was "in discussion regarding a move to another club".

Howe has insisted repeatedly that he does not want to lose Saint-Maximin, but Financial Fair Play restrictions mean the big-spending Magpies are having to make difficult decisions as they attempt to build upon last season's success.