By Frank McAvennie

18th Jul, 2023 | 1:48pm

Newcastle United backed to sign two big-name stars after source's Allan Saint-Maximin update - pundit

Newcastle United could sign Harvey Barnes and Ruben Neves if they sell Allan Saint-Maximin this summer.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former West Ham striker Frank McAvennie suggested Newcastle will bring in Barnes and secure a loan deal for Neves if they can ship out Saint-Maximin.

On 8 July, Football Insider revealed that the Magpies are willing to part ways with Saint-Maximin in order to land top target Barnes.

Eddie Howe needs to make room in his squad to land the Leicester City star which will involve offloading another first-teamer.

Saint-Maximin‘s current contract runs until 2026 but he has fallen down the pecking order, making just 12 Premier League starts last term.

McAvennie suggested Barnes may not be the only new arrival if the Toon can offload the 26-year-old in the coming months.

“I think Harvey Barnes is a good talent,” he told Football Insider.

“Saint-Maximin has been playing alright under Eddie Howe but I think Barnes is a no-brainer.

“Let Saint-Maximin go and get some money to bring him in. Someone told me that [Ruben] Neves is going to be loaned out to Newcastle next season.

“If they get him and Harvey Barnes in the middle that would be good business.

“They are going to be a force next season because they are doing everything right.“

Last month (21 June), Football Insider revealed that Newcastle have discussed the possibility of signing Neves on loan from Al Hilal.

The former Wolves star completed a surprise £47m move to the Saudi club earlier this summer.

In other news, Kieran Maguire drops ‘huge’ Newcastle United claim after announcement.