Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has played down suggestions that Harvey Barnes could be sold this month.
The former Leicester City star signed for the Magpies for £38million in 2023 but has been unable to become a fixture in the starting XI this season. Barnes however, has notched five goals in the Premier League and proven to provide an impact when he does take to the field.
After a summer of working to remain within the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules, and the limited possibility of making signings in January, Barnes was touted for a transfer to help the Magpies cause. It is not something that Howe appears to be considering however.
The ex-Bournemouth coach instead claimed that Barnes was vital to his plans moving forwards. "Yes. Harvey could easily get a run in the team, and I do believe he'll be a consistent goalscorer for us or goal creator for us because that's always been his way," Howe said.
"When he's played this season, especially as a substitute, he's been fantastic for us. He's really scored some vital goals and made some big contributions to us winning or drawing games.
"I really respect him as a player and as a person. He's been great around the group. He's a vital player for us."
Former Tottenham, Blackburn and Sunderland scout Mick Brown had told Football Insider that he expected Barnes to be transfer listed, in addition to Miguel Almiron due to PSR reasons. "They’re being forced to sell fringe players because of these financial issues," he said.
"They’ve got a lot of players like Almiron and Harvey Barnes who haven’t sealed a first-team place, but are decent players for rotation. Under normal circumstances, if there were no other issues, that wouldn’t bother Newcastle.
"They’d be happy to keep them as fringe players who can come into the side as and when needed, but it isn’t like that at the moment. Newcastle don’t want to sell their star players, they want to keep their team as strong as possible.
"So that means your fringe players, your Barnes’ and your Almirons, are the ones who pay for it. It’s a shame but that’s the position they’ve found themselves in."
Howe was keen to affirm Barnes' importance however. The 47-year-old admitted he was having difficulty fitting his charge in the same side as Anthony Gordon however.
He said: "Harvey's been really unfortunate this year because he has played very well when he has been given the opportunity so I've got no issue with Harvey's performances – and that's quite rare when a player's not playing, that I can say he's performed really well.
"Look at his goal tally – he's still up there as one of our leading scorers this season. The problem that I've had is fitting Harvey and Anthony Gordon into the same team, two outstanding players who play the same position.
"That's given me some long, I wouldn't say sleepless nights, but some big decisions that I've had to make. My love for Harvey is very strong, as it is for Anthony and the other players that play in that position.
"All he can do is when he plays is continue to do what he does, and that's score goals create chances for the team. If he does that to the very top of his level, I've always said I'll back him to play."
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