West Ham United have been linked with a move for Leicester City’s Harvey Barnes for several months now – the Hammers will make a move for the player after Declan Rice’s transfer to Arsenal is complete, according to a report from TalkSPORT.

West Ham are far from the only club who are interested in a move for Barnes, however. Over the last few months, Arsenal, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur have all been linked with a move for the player.

Concerningly, both Arsenal and Newcastle will be able to offer Barnes Champions League football next season, which could play a major role in his final decision – it is every player’s ambition to play at the highest possible level.

Despite this, West Ham would likely be able to offer him a more consistent place in their first team – due to this, it will come down to where the 25-year-old’s priorities lie in terms of his career.

What would Harvey Barnes add to West Ham United’s squad?

Barnes, while not the most technically-gifted of wide men, possesses electric pace and a wicked eye for goal. He is brilliant at cutting inside from the left wing and unleashing shots on goal.

The Hammers are currently short of quality wingers – only Jarrod Bowen and Said Benrahma stand out at the time of writing. As such, a move for Barnes makes perfect sense at this point.

Harvey Barnes football career summary so far

Barnes first joined the Foxes’ academy in 2007, making his senior debut in 2016. He has made 145 appearances for them since then, scoring a total of 34 Premier League goals.

Outside of Leicester, he has also undergone loan spells with MK Dons, Barnsley and West Brom. So far, he has yet to disappoint at any club he has played for – arguably, his best loan spell came during his time with Barnsley.

Barnes has also won a single cap for England in a 3-0 victory over Wales, which came back in 2020. Since then, he has failed to retain his position in the squad – but a move to West Ham could see him thrust back into Gareth Southgate’s plans.