Newcastle United are reportedly keen on Burnley striker Ashley Barnes.
Burnley’s Ashley Barnes in action with Everton’s Morgan Schneiderlin
According to ESPN, Newcastle United are interested in signing Burnley striker Ashley Barnes this summer – but so are Crystal Palace.
The Magpies are looking for new signings to boost their Premier League hopes having won the Championship title and subsequent promotion back to the top flight at the first time of asking.
Manager Rafael Benitez will be targeting a host of key positions, and adding another striker could be a priority despite Dwight Gayle’s 22-goal campaign in all competitions.
Question marks surround the futures of both Aleksandar Mitrovic and Daryl Murphy, meaning that Benitez could pursue another physical centre forward – and one Premier League ace appears to be on his radar.
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez
ESPN report that Newcastle are keen on Burnley striker Ashley Barnes, but will face competition from Crystal Palace and former Magpies boss Sam Allardyce in their pursuit of signing him.
Barnes, 27, missed the majority of last season through injury but has notched six goals in 27 Premier League goals this term, and has earned a reputation as a rugged, throwback centre forward with great work rate and the ability to lead the line.
Burnley’s Ashley Barnes in action with Southampton’s Cedric Soares
It’s believed that Newcastle view Barnes as a potential strike partner for Gayle, but with two years left on his contract with Burnley, the Clarets could put up a real fight to keep the Austrian striker at Turf Moor.
The report adds that Palace boss Allardyce is a keen admirer of Barnes having scored twice against the Eagles this season, and he could challenge former club Newcastle for his signature this summer.
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