Newcastle are plotting a move for the £25million “dangerous” star

On the brink of the EFL Cup final, while also boasting five wins on the spin in the Premier League, Eddie Howe‘with Newcastle United they are currently in dreamland.

The Magpies are a force to be reckoned with, as Alexander Isak continues to lead the line with a confidence that is pumping through his veins. 15 goals in all competitions during 2024/25, with the added quality of stars like Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon, allowing the Toon to go all the way up to fifth in the top flight.

However, while everything looks harmonious on first inspection, there could be a new transfer developing at St James’ Park which could now result in a high-profile departure.

Harvey Barnes’ future at Newcastle

Although he started the season with lightning speed, with three shots picked up from his first five league games, it appears that Barnes may not be staying at St James’ Park this past January.

A recent report from Football Insider stated that Newcastle could be forced to let Barnes leave to try and balance the books appropriately, with profit and sustainability rules weighing on the Tyneside giants.

With Miguel Almiron also touted to be leaving the Toonnew faces in the attack will certainly be a priority, especially if Barnes is also shown the exit door anywhere near The £38m it once cost Howe’s men.

Newcastle could land a “dangerous” replacement for Barnes

As a result of those possible departures, it should come as no surprise to see Newcastle now in the running for the in-demand striker, with the high-flying Magpies potentially poised to hijack Aston Villa’s deal for Donyell Malen.

According to the journalist Christian FalkNewcastle are very much in the running to try to sign Borussia Dortmund ace Malen at some point this month, with Unai Emery’s Villa a long way from agreeing a deal.

Dortmund are still delaying a suitor bidding around £25m to consider letting the Dutchman leave – as Villa continue to bid well below this valuation according to Falk – with the in-form Toon perhaps speeding to the front of the queue to win his services if Almiron or Barnes they succeed and go and cough up this desired amount.

Although Malen would be known as a breakthrough sensation initially only as a lethal striker, with a clinical 55 shots powerhouse for former employers PSV Eindhoven, is now known to be a far more versatile player in Germany down the flanks.

Really, “very dangerous” The 25-year-old, as former Dortmund team-mate Mario Gotze called him, has shone at Signal Iduna Park mainly as a right winger – as seen in his 11 league goals from this spot last season – but the adaptable forward can also slot in competently on Barnes’ preferred left.

Looking at the table above, Malen would be an obvious asset for Newcastle if the latest deal goes through, with 19 career goals picked up on the left.

Based on his impressive numbers above, he could give the aforementioned Gordon plenty of competition at St James’ Park upon his arrival to fill the void left by Barnes, and on top of that he would be a reliable back-up striker option away from the injury-hit Callum Wilson.

Newcastle must show they mean business moving forward after some scintillating recent form, with this deal potentially upsetting the Villans as another sign of intent from Howe’s confident Magpies.