A response to Newcastle United’s bid for PL star James Maddison makes Spurs look silly and gives West Ham boss David Moyes great hope over Harvey Barnes.

West Ham have been heavily linked with a move for flying attacker Harvey Barnes following his relegation with Leicester City.

But reported interest from both Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur had looked to be a real problem for the Hammers.

Last week it was claimed by journalist Matt Law that West Ham were leading the race for £40m rated Barnes, with Newcastle and Spurs also circling.

Then The Guardian stated West Ham boss David Moyes wants to wrap up a deal to sign the 25-year-old England international as soon as possible.

Particularly given the interest from bitter rivals Tottenham and Eddie Howe’s Champions League Magpies.

Response to Newcastle bid for PL star makes Spurs look silly and gives West Ham boss David Moyes great hope over Harvey Barnes

Both Newcastle and Spurs have also been locked in a two-way battle to sign Barnes’ Leicester teammate James Maddison.

Tottenham made their move last week when they submitted a £50m joint bid to sign both players in Ange Postecoglou’s first act as manager.

The bid, reported by The Daily Mail, was met with incredulity in football circles given Leicester value Barnes and Maddison at between £30-50m EACH.

Now a response to a Newcastle bid for PL star Maddison makes Spurs look silly and gives West Ham boss Moyes great hope over Barnes.

Spurs lose face after laughable joint bid and Newcastle only want Maddison to clear path for West Ham over Barnes

It emerged overnight that Howe made a move for Maddison and Leicester have told Newcastle they want £55m for the midfielder.

Leicester’s response makes Tottenham’s ludicrous £50m joint bid for Maddison and Barnes look laughable. And West Ham will be hugely encouraged because there was no mention of Barnes in any deal between the Foxes and Magpies.

As a result of their more realistic negotiations and stance, The Express and Sky Sports claim Newcastle are frontrunners ahead of Spurs for Maddison.

The move also disproves speculation Newcastle also want Barnes, which will be a big relief to the Hammers.

And with Tottenham absolutely miles apart in their valuation of Barnes, it clears the path for West Ham to have a run at the wing wizard.

Situation backs up Telegraph claims that West Ham lead race for winger

There was also an exciting development for Moyes over the weekend when it emerged that Leicester have made their move for Barnes’ replacement ahead of his impending sale.

With Newcastle only interested in Maddison – and negotiating at a much more realistic price than Spurs – and Tottenham putting Leicester’s nose out of joint with their derisory joint bid, it gives credence to The Telegraph’s claims that West Ham are in the box seat for Barnes.

Newcastle will play Champions League football next season while European champions West Ham will compete in the Europa League.

But Spurs have no European football to offer prospective signings.

Newcastle United aim to ‘hijack’ Liverpool’s move for £35m transfer target

Liverpool news as Newcastle United reportedly join the race for Khephren Thuram.

Newcastle United have joined Liverpool in the race for Khephren Thuram, according to reports.

The Nice midfielder is high on the Reds’ priority list as Jurgen Klopp aims to bolster his options in the engine room. Alexis Mac Allister has already been recruited from Brighton for £35 million but at least one more player capable of operating in the middle of the park is required.

Thuram is one player who Liverpool have shown interest in signing. He was voted in the Ligue 1 Team of the Season for 2022-23 despite Nice finishing only ninth in the table. The 22-year-old recorded two goals and eight assists in 48 appearances. A fee of around £35 million has been mooted for Thuram.

However, it is reported by Football Insider that Newcastle are also keen on the former Monaco midfielder. The Magpies finished third in the Premier League last season – which booked their spot in the Champions League.

Manager Eddie Howe is said to been keen to sign a ‘box-office midfielder’ as Newcastle prepare for a 20-year return to Europe’s elite club competition.

They have reportedly turned their attention away from Inter Milan’s Nicolo Barella – another player linked with Liverpool – and Thuram is under consideration.