Newcastle plan to accept 'cut-price' Joe Willock offer as late move 'expected'

Newcastle United are planning to accept cut-price offers for Joe Willock in the closing stages of the summer transfer window.

The 27-year-old is not part of Matthias Jaissle's plans for the coming season, while new additions are being targeted which will push him further down the pecking order.

Despite picking up a groin issue during the pre-season draw against Strasbourg, making him a doubt for their season opener, the Magpies are hopeful of moving him on.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Newcastle are planning to reduce their asking price for Willock before the window closes.

The midfielder is expected to leave St James' Park this summer, and has attracted suitors from across Europe, but his lofty price tag had previously led to concerns.

With Jaissle not viewing Willock as a key part of his plans, however, Newcastle are keen to cash in and are prepared to lower their demands in an attempt to drum up interest.

Could Newcaslte accept new offers for Joe Willock?

Brown told Football Insider on 17 August that Willock is now surplus to requirements at St James' Park, and will now play a role in their plans for the new season.

As a result, they are aiming to raise funds from his departure, with the money to be reinvested in their attempts to stregnthen their midfield options this summer.

Following the departures of Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali, Willock could become the latest midfielder to leave Newcastle, with a lower fee now on the cards.

"It just depends on whether Newcastle can get a fee that works for them," Brown told Football Insider.

"They have expected him to leave this summer, because there's been talk about it in the last couple of windows, but of course they want to get the highest fee possible.

"The asking price that's been mentioned so far is way too high, though, they're never going to sell him at that price.

"So now, coming up to the end of the window, they're going to have to drop that asking price and maybe accept a cut-price offer if they do want to move him on.

"Newcastle are ready to let him go, he's not going to play a part in their plans, but they might have to bite the bullet and accept a lower offer than what they originally hoped."

Which clubs are interested in signing Joe Willock?

Speculation surrounding Willock's long-term future at Newcastle has come alongside interest from a number of clubs, both in the Premier League and across Europe.

In the last 12 months, multiple English clubs have shown an interest in Willock, including the likes of Crystal Palace and West Ham.

Meanwhile, Brown previously told Football Insider that Leeds have been keeping tabs on Willock's situation, and could move to lure him away from Newcastle.

That interested is now believed to have faded, though, with Turkish giants Besiktas seen as the clear front-runners to agree a deal for the former Arsenal man.

Newcastle reportedly quoted a fee of over £20million when approached earlier this summer, but with plans to place to reduce their asking price, Besiktas could do a deal.