Aston Villa
Mick Brown
Fri 16 May 2025 19:30, UK
Aston Villa are eyeing Newcastle United star Harvey Barnes as a potential alternative to Marcus Rashford, according to their former scout.
Mick Brown, who also worked as the chief scout at Man United and Blackburn and remains very well-connected at his former clubs, exclusively told Football Insider that the 27-year-old is on the list of summer targets at Villa Park.
However, there are concerns about whether his performances would be consistent enough to give Unai Emery what he wants.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Aston Villa are eyeing replacements for Rashford alongside Marco Asensio and Ollie Watkins.
Barnes has emerged as one of their top targets on the left wing, and could be available as his playing time will be limited by Anthony Gordon’s presence.
Meanwhile, Brown told Football Insider that Newcastle could cash in on Barnes to fund a move to sign Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo.
Harvey Barnes playing for Newcastle United
Harvey Barnes might be sold by Newcastle. (Credit: Imago)
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES
Aston Villa plot move to sign Newcastle star Harvey Barnes
Brown told Football Insider in January that Newcastle could sell Barnes in an attempt to balance the books amid concerns about their financial situation.
The former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted that the England winger would be open to a move to Villa Park.
“Aston Villa are preparing to lose Rashford and Asensio,” he told Football Insider.
“Harvey Barnes is one of the options they’ve looked at in terms of replacements.
“At his best, he can be a real danger down the left-hand side and he would give them something they’re going to lack when Rashford isn’t there.
“They have to make a decision about how often they feel he can produce his best.
“He got the chance to go to Newcastle from Leicester, but he’s never quite managed to seal his position as a starting player there.
“He has good runs of form and he has bad runs of form, he’s never quite been able to put things together consistently and that’s a concern for Newcastle.
“I think they’ll be open to letting him go because they’ve got Anthony Gordon there already.
“I think they’ll be open to it for the right amount of money, and I think it’s something that will interest him as well if he’s offered first-team football.”
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery
Unai Emery is planning to strengthen his Aston Villa squad. (Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)
Youri Tielemans responds to Saudi Pro League interest
Alongside the likes of Rashford and Watkins, another player who has been heavily linked with a move away from Villa Park this summer is Youri Tielemans.
Brown told Football Insider on 13 May that Tielemans will turn down Saudi Pro League advances in favour of remaining at Aston Villa.
The 28-year-old is happy working with Emery and has no desire to leave, while he is keen to remain playing in the Champions League and Premier League.
This comes after Football Insider revealed on 2 May that Villa are prepared to sell key players this summer as Emery eyes major improvements to his first-team squad.
For more Aston Villa and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.
Related Posts