Newcastle plan to accept Joe Willock offer, it’s their last chance

Newcastle are open to letting Joe Willock leave in the next transfer window despite rejecting offers for his services in the summer, sources have told Football Insider.

Willock was closely linked with leaving Newcastle throughout the summer window after entering the last year of his contract with the club.

Turkish giants Besiktas had a reported £10million offer to sign him rejected in July, returning with a higher bid in August that was also knocked back.

The 27-year-old has earned plaudits under Matthias Jaissle at the start of this campaign but is yet to enter talks over a new deal with Magpies' chiefs.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Newcastle are unlikely to extend his contract and could take their last opportunity to cash in on Willock in the January window.

Besiktas remain keen on his services and are planning to return with a new bid midway through the campaign.

Joe Willock is likely to leave Newcastle in January

Willock is one of Newcastle's longest-serving players but has not managed to fully nail down a starting spot at the club over the last few seasons.

He has impressed at the start of this term, with two strikes in five league games so far, but may not have a long-term future at the club and so could depart after the turn of the year.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "I think Joe Willock could potentially move on in January because that will be Newcastle's last chance to cash in on him due to his contract situation at St James' Park.

"Besiktas were quite hopeful of signing him in the summer window and their interest remains ahead of January."

What has Jaissle said about Willock staying at Newcastle?

Jaissle clearly rates Willock highly, offering him three starts in their first five league games after pushing to keep the 27-year-old around in the summer.

The Magpies boss explained the decision to retain both him and Jacob Murphy, who was the subject of interest from Nottingham Forest, in a press conference last month.

He said: "We have a well-balanced squad. The lads were doing good in the pre-season. They showed their quality, they still have potential to do even better, and therefore, we made the decision that this is the final squad. It's not only these two players. In a long transfer window, there are many approaches for different players.

"It's important you have conversations with the players, that you're honest, transparent and clear about what you expect from them, but also what they expect from the club and the gaffer. We had these conversations. Everyone knows exactly where they are at which stage they are in the squad and then it was the decision that they stayed here."