Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is not interested in parting ways with Harvey Barnes this summer, despite renewed speculation of a potential swap deal involving Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey, according to The Daily Mail’s Craig Hope.
Interest from Villa in Barnes first emerged in January, when the winger was out of Newcastle’s lineup and Villa were looking to balance their books before the June PSR deadline.
At the same time, Newcastle’s admiration for Ramsey was well known, sparking discussions about a possible trade between the two clubs. Those talks did not progress, particularly after Barnes picked up a thigh injury mid-month.
Although there has been renewed chatter about revisiting a deal in recent weeks, sources told Hope that Howe wants Barnes to remain at the club.
The 27-year-old had started Newcastle’s last nine matches entering the game against Arsenal last weekend, contributing four goals and four assists, and has impressed during his first extended run of starts since joining from Leicester City in 2023.
Barnes is also reported to be settled in the North East and has demonstrated positional flexibility, featuring at times on the right wing.
Ramsey, meanwhile, remains on Newcastle’s radar for a potential summer transfer. The 23-year-old still has two years left on his Villa contract, but financial pressures at the Birmingham club could make a summer sale possible.
While Newcastle retain interest, the priority remains building around current contributors, especially with Champions League football expected next season.