Newcastle United midfielder Joe Willock continues to attract interest from overseas with Turkish club Besiktas working on another attempt to secure his signature this summer. The Istanbul-based side are said to be pursuing the England international.
Reports indicate that Willock has already accepted a four-year deal with Besiktas. Newcastle turned down a £10million bid from the Super Lig outfit back in July. Sources suggest the Magpies have been seeking approximately £17m for the player throughout negotiations.
Willock’s former club Arsenal stand to receive ten percent of any transfer fee due to a sell-on clause, which has encouraged Newcastle to push for a higher valuation. The 27-year-old has netted 19 times during his time at St James’ Park.
Italian journalist Nicolo Schira reports that Besiktas have put forward an offer of €20m, equivalent to £17m, and are awaiting a response from Newcastle.
The number 28 featured in all of Newcastle’s pre-season warm-up matches, facing Gateshead, Bristol City, Valencia and Everton. He is anticipated to feature in some capacity during Sunday’s fixture against Liverpool at 4:30pm.
At the end of last season, the player appeared to dismiss speculation about departing Tyneside by repeatedly emphasising his intention to remain with the club during an interview with Newcastle’s official television service.
When questioned about potential departures before the window concludes on September 1, head coach Matthias Jaissle stated last week that he was still evaluating his squad and has now watched Willock on a couple of occasions. The 38-year-old noted it would be premature to make judgments after a single session and that there remains sufficient time for players to prove themselves. He acknowledged that not everyone would be satisfied, which is normal in football, but emphasised the need to work collectively before reaching decisions.
The summer transfer window shuts at 11pm on September 1.