Scotland are vying to make a mark at this summer's World Cup in North America, and have high hopes of securing one Newcastle United star's allegiance over Thomas Tuchel's England
Steve Clarke smiles
Steve Clarke is hopeful of securing Harvey Barnes' services(Image: Ian MacNicol, Getty Images)
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Scotland have offered Harvey Barnes a place in their World Cup squad should he commit his international future to them rather than England, with the tournament mere months away.
The Newcastle United winger has continued to deliver impressive performances at St James' Park, yet finds himself outside the reckoning for the Three Lions. That's despite having previously shared his ambitions to represent his nation of birth.
Scotland have been courting Barnes for some time, but have intensified their pursuit in recent weeks as they clarification before the March international window, according to the Telegraph.
Manager Steve Clarke is finalising his plans and needs to establish whether he can rely upon the 28-year-old. Barnes would provide a flexible attacking option who has thrived on the biggest stages.
This season, he has scored 12 times, with five strikes coming in the Champions League, and is understood to be receptive to donning the blue of Scotland.
Barnes is eligible through his grandparents and has been struck by the eagerness shown to secure his services. As a result, he is weighing up the proposition seriously.
Barnes is keen to feature in international competition but faces a number of players ahead of him in the pecking order. Even amongst those, several will be omitted from Thomas Tuchel's final selection, such is the wealth of English talent available in attacking areas.
Harvey Barnes celebrates
Harvey Barnes has thrived with Newcastle United(Image: OLI SCARFF, AFP via Getty Images)
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Should he choose Scotland, Barnes would likely be amongst the frontrunners to feature in their World Cup opener against Haiti on 14 June, assuming he has seen match action prior to the tournament.
The Scots have a friendly fixture lined up with Japan on 28 March and have organised a World Cup preparation clash with Curacao on 30 May.
Scotland secured their World Cup berth by defeating Denmark in their final group fixture during a thrilling evening at Hampden Park last November, netting twice in the dying moments to book their place in North America.
Clarke's squad will face a marquee showdown with Brazil in Miami, with Haiti and Morocco completing their group.
The tournament's expansion means that even a third-place finish guarantees progression, enhancing Scotland's prospects of reaching at least the knockout stages.
Their campaign is expected to be led by Napoli star Scott McTominay, as well as the likes of Andy Robertson and John McGinn.