‘Crystal Palace exploring deal to sign Joe Willock after Newcastle transfer mission’
Crystal Palace are plotting a move to sign Newcastle United star Joe Willock as they aim to bolster Oliver Glasner’s squad this summer.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Palace scouts have been watching the 25-year-old at St James’ Park.
The London-born midfielder is seen as a good fit for Glasner’s system with his high-energy style and drive set to add a new dimension to their play.
Palace are preparing for a busy summer transfer window amid speculation surrounding the futures of Adam Wharton and Eberechi Eze in the middle of the park.
Willock, meanwhile, is believed to be open to a move away from the North East as he is unlikely to cement his place in the starting XI.
This comes after Football Insider revealed Newcastle plan to keep Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton as their starting midfield trio under Eddie Howe.
Joe Willock backed to complete Crystal Palace switch
Despite his 39 appearances for the Magpies this season, Willock has started just 16 times across all competitions and averages just 37.5 minutes per game.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted the midfielder would be open to a move to South London with Palace very keen on the deal.
“Crystal Palace are going to explore a deal for Joe Willock,” he told Football Insider.
“Palace always do their due diligence and have had scouts watching him this season when they can.
“They want to strengthen their squad and back the manager because they’ve been terrific this season and might end up as FA Cup winners.
“Willick isn’t going to get in the Newcastle team and I hear he’s one they’d be willing to let go.
“It would have to be the right money for the club as well, of course.
“He’s been a reliable player for Newcastle, he always comes into the team and does his job, but he’s not a starter in that midfield and he’ll want to be playing regular football.
“He works hard, brings a lot of drive and energy to the team which would suit Palace, and he’s not the type of player you have to carry through games.
“He ticks a lot of boxes for Crystal Palace and deserves to be playing regular first-team football.
“So I wouldn’t be surprised to see that move happen, I think it would be a good one for all parties.”
Newcastle United eye renewed Marc Guehi swoop
Business between Palace and Newcastle could be a major talking point this summer, as the Magpies are plotting a swoop to sign Marc Guehi.
Brown told Football Insider that Guehi is high on Newcastle’s list despite having missed out on a move last year when the Eagles turned down their £70million bid.
The centre-back will have just one year remaining on his deal come June, inspiring a belief that he may be available on a cheaper deal this summer.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Palace have begun planning to replace Guehi as they accept he will leave at the end of the season.
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