Chelsea and Man Utd submit €70m bid for Premier League winger

Chelsea and Manchester United are both targeting one of the most in-form players in the Premier League ahead of the January transfer window.

Newcastle United star Harvey Barnes has become a target for both giants, who view the England international as a potential strategic signing, according to Fichajes. His speed, dribbling and scoring power is appreciated by both sides.

Both teams have submitted a bid worth €70 million (£60m), the report claims.

It is stated that Man Utd want Barnes because of his creativity and ability to create goals, while for Chelsea he is a player who fits the profile of “young, talented stars” that they are so readily associated with.

Given that Barnes will turn 28 on 9 December, the report linking the Blues with the winger should be taken with a huge pinch of salt. The former Leicester player is much older than the typical signing at Stamford Bridge under the BlueCo project.

Newcastle unwilling to sell Harvey Barnes

Newcastle were bullied into selling Alexander Isak to Liverpool in the summer, but that mammoth sale, which is the biggest in Premier League history, has eased any Financial Fair Play (FFP) issues that the Magpies might have. It has also stiffened their resolve to retain their biggest stars.

The St James’ Park side are, therefore, unwilling to engage in any negotiations over the sale of Barnes.

Chelsea and Man Utd are ready to try their luck, and if Newcastle knock back a €70 million offer, they are even ready to go higher.

Barnes, meanwhile, is reportedly open to a move. Fichajes claims: “He welcomes the interest from these big clubs, although he remains focused on his current team. The player values the stability he enjoys at Newcastle United, but knows that a move of this magnitude could represent a huge leap in his career.”

With a contract until 2028 and an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €39.8m, it would be an enormous surprise if Chelsea or Man Utd were to prise Barnes away from Newcastle next month.

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