Transfer Talk: Howe and Harvey are match made in heaven

After the most disappointing season of his career, Harvey Barnes needs a move.

Once spoken about as a target for Liverpool, the playmaker now has a switch to Newcastle, who will play in Europe for the first time in 20 years, in his sights.

We analyse a potential transfer that makes sense for an underperforming star and a club with a track record for reinvigorating careers.

Slow development

While Barnes remains an exciting talent, his progress is in danger of stalling if he does not leave Leicester now.

The forward broke into the Foxes team over four years ago but has not yet matured into the player it appeared he might do in 2019.

Brendan Rodgers was reportedly frustrated by the 25-year-old's development before he was sacked as City boss last season, wanting his left winger to make more intelligent runs to increase his threat.

And new boss Dean Smith notably left him out of the side for a vital game at Newcastle in May — an indication that he was not at his best.

Own harshest critic

Barnes was not oblivious to the issue, speaking honestly about his struggles for form last season.

He said in May: "There are games where I have not had enough influence.

"When you are not playing good football, you can get lost in the game a bit. I need to find ways to be more involved."

The former West Brom loanee was not alone in seemingly going stale at Leicester last season, though.

Wilfred Ndidi, Youri Tielamans and other previously stellar performers were also quiet for a team that was on a downward trajectory.

Healer Howe

Playing under Eddie Howe has breathed new life into a number of Newcastle players over the last two years.

The likes of Matty Longstaff, Joelinton and Miguel Almiron were drifting prior to the former Bournemouth boss' appointment but became key cogs in the Magpies' wheel as they qualified for the Champions League last term.

Howe has a particularly strong record with attackers, too, including his time at former club Bournemouth.

Callum Wilson, Ryan Fraser, Josh King and several other players of Barnes' ilk have flourished under the 45-year-old.

The chance for the winger to re-energise his career under an impressive coach in an attacking team could be too good to turn down.

Eye for goal

Despite not always appearing himself, Barnes maintained his eye for goal last term.

The one-cap England international netted 13 times in the Premier League — the most of any Leicester player — and his natural game should suit a side who look to get players in the box as often as possible.

Speaking at the beginning of last season, Barnes revealed he takes inspiration from the best, saying: "I look at it and think, 'How many times can I get in behind?'

"[Mohamed] Salah and [Heung-min] Son, the amount of goals they have scored. I think they are two of the best in the league in running in behind and getting the balls in dangerous positions.

"Why are they scoring so many goals? I want to add that to my game."

What may very well be Barnes' last Leicester goal — a finish from the left-hand side of the box with his right foot against West Ham — is the trademark type he is looking to score more consistently.

A transfer to Tyneside could see him rival his idols next season.