Harvey Barnes tipped to want Aston Villa transfer amid £40m race to sign Leicester City star

We’re delighted to welcome former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Villa Park… 

Alan Hutton is thrilled to see Aston Villa being in the hunt to sign Leicester City attacker Harvey Barnes.

The Independent reported on 24 May that Villa are "leading the race" to sign the 25-year-old England international with a number of players expected to leave Leicester this summer due to their relegation to the Championship.

It is understood that Villa can put together a "strong package" to lure Barnes over from the East Midlands as he'll like to maintain connections to the area he currently lives in.

Hutton believes that Unai Emery could be looking to upgrade his winger options this summer and Barnes is a player who'd be able to do that.

Speaking to Villa News, the former right-back said: "Barnes is a player I really admire.

"He's worked really hard on his game and he's got all the attributes needed to be a top-quality player - and he is a top-quality player.

"I wouldn't say Villa struggled in wide areas but they went for different options like Bailey, Traore, Coutinho and Buendia. Something the manager's probably doing is to try and upgrade it a bit.

"Barnes has his experience and he'll have a lot of suitors who are desperate for him.

"If Villa can show the situation they're in and where they want to be, it's probably something he'd enjoy."

The Telegraph believes West Ham are favourites to sign Barnes this summer with bidding set to start at £30million.

Tottenham and Newcastle are also keen on the former West Brom loan star, who Leicester would like to receive £40million for.

In other Aston Villa news, big-name signings are now on the cards after a behind-the-scenes arrival at Villa Park.