Newcastle ready to let go 26-yr-old who's now 'surplus to requirements'

Newcastle United have been planning to cash in on Joe Willock this summer as he is now seen as surplus to requirements.

The 26-year-old fell down the pecking order last season, and following the arrival of Matthias Jaissle, is likely to struggle to regain his place as a regular in the starting XI.

As a result, plans had been put in place for him to move on amid interest from Turkish outfit Besiktas, alongside a number of Premier League clubs keeping tabs on his situation.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Newcastle have been ready to hold discussions about Willock's future for over 12 months now.

New additions are expected to arrive in the middle of the park before the transfer window closes, with Jaissle looking to bolster his side after losing key players.

However, their plans to cash in on Willock may have been dealt a blow after the midfielder was withdrawn with an ankle injury during their friendly against Strasbourg.

Could Joe Willock leave Newcastle United?

Football Insider first revealed in June that Newcastle have been open to offers for Willock this summer and expect him to move on before the transfer window closes.

While a recent injury may derail those plans depending on the significance of the blow, plans have been put in place for the midfielder to move on barring any issues.

Willock is not expected to be part of Jaissle's plans for the new season, and while he may play a fringe role if he is not moved on, he is currently heading towards an exit.

"Newcastle have been looking to sell Joe Willock for at least 12 months now," Brown told Football Insider.

"He's a good player when he's fit and available, but he's been too inconsistent and had a load of injury issues during his time there, so they'd like to cash in.

"The new manager wants to bring in some new midfielders, and that will mean Willock is surplus to requirements.

"A lot of clubs have shown an interest in him while he's been available, he could do a job for a lot of sides in the Premier League, and there's been talk about Turkey too.

"So it just depends on whether Newcastle can get a fee that works for them, but either way, I'm expecting him to have left before the window closes."

Which clubs are interested in signing Willock?

Willock has been increasingly likely to leave St James' Park since the transfer window opened, and a number of clubs across Europe are on alert over his situation.

Football Insider revealed in the mid-season window that Leeds United have been long-term admirers of Willock, while Crystal Palace are also among his suitors.

However, the leading contenders for his signature this summer are Besiktas, having already made contact with the Magpies about the possibility of a move.

The Turkish giants were initially quoted a fee of around £20million, which deterred them from doing a deal immediately, but were expected to return with a new offer.