Newcastle plan new Joe Willock talks after big-money exit blocked

Newcastle will hold talks with Joe Willock and his representatives in the coming months before deciding his future, sources have told Football Insider.

Willock has emerged as a key player for Matthias Jaissle at St James' Park since the start of this season.

Newcastle rejected two bids for the 27-year-old from Besiktas in the summer, with the latter believed to be worth around £17million.

Some Magpies fans were up in arms at the club's decision to keep hold of Willock, given that he is into the final year of his contract on Tyneside.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Newcastle are planning talks with the midfielder as Besiktas continue to monitor his services ahead of January.

The Turkish Super Lig side are preparing to make another offer for his services in the new year, and will be able to seal a pre-contract agreement unless Newcastle tie him down to a new deal.

Joe Willock talks on the horizon after Besiktas rejections

Willock continued his strong start to the season with the opening goal in Newcastle's 2-1 win over Hull before the international break.

It is unclear whether Newcastle will offer him a new deal, but they are keen to sit down for talks to gauge whether he is willing to stay beyond next June.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Besiktas were quite hopeful of signing him in the summer, but Newcastle blocked that move because he was needed by Matthias Jaissle with the likes of Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes leaving.

"To be fair to Willock, he has had an impact under Matthias Jaissle. He's scored three goals in seven games so far this season and come in from the cold, where he was under Eddie Howe.

"Besiktas' interest remains. They would like to sign him, and given his contract situation, Willock would be free to sign a pre-contract with them in January, which would see him join next summer. I'm sure Newcastle will want to hold talks with him to find out what his plans are."

Newcastle are interested in signing Tyler Morton

Newcastle are already eyeing new midfield additions ahead of Willock's potential exit in the next window.

Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that the Magpies are working on a deal to sign Lyon star Morton in an effort to further bolster their midfield ranks.

The 23-year-old former Liverpool midfielder has impressed in France over the last 12 months, featuring 43 times in all competitions last season as they finished fourth in Ligue 1.

Liverpool are also believed to be monitoring his progress as they consider re-signing him in January.