Newcastle and Crystal Palace battle for Barnes

Newcastle and Crystal Palace are both keen on Ashley Barnes.

According to a report on ESPN the Burnley striker has strong admirers at both clubs after playing a key role in Burnley steering well clear of relegation after winning promotion to the Premier League.

Barnes, who already has 62 top flight appearances to his name, won’t be sold on the cheap after signing a three year contract at the start of the season but Burnley are unlikely to stand in the way of a £15m fee and the chance for the player to enjoy a significant pay rise.

Rafa Benitez is on the look out for firepower with the main criteria to be tried and tested in the Premier League.

Barnes has scored six goals this season but offers much more as a team player rather than as an out and out striker.

Two of those goals were against Palace with Sam Allardyce impressed enough to start tracking the 27-year-old as the former England boss attempts to put his own stamp on the squad he inherited before Christmas.