Joe Willock backed for Newcastle deal as 'three options' clear after bid
Joe Willock could be in line to receive a new contract at Newcastle United after another round of transfer interest from Besiktas.
That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the Magpies now have "three options" as to how they handle the 27-year-old's future.
This comes after the news that Besiktas submitted another bid for the ex-Arsenal man last weekend, as they try to prise the star away before his contract expires in June 2027.
Wyness outlined that Newcastle will be "very tempted" to take the money and immediately bring in a replacement, but cannot be clouded by short-term thinking.
Willock scored in the Magpies' 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Sunday having started on the bench for Matthias Jaissle in his first competitive game as manager.
Nevertheless, the midfielder's future is a hot topic of discussion at St James' Park at the moment, even if his club hold the cards right now.
Why Newcastle could consider 'creative' new deal
Everton’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that one option for Newcastle is to hand Willock a new "long-term contract" in order to protect their asset.
The Scottish businessman suggested that they could try to get the player to agree to a lower basic wage, but provide him with the security of an extended deal.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, the former boardroom man explained all the options that are on the table for Newcastle.
"There are three options, if I'm sitting there as CEO right now, I'm thinking, right, do we sell at a low price?" Wyness said.
"Somebody's going to leverage us on the fee for him, and his wages could be an issue, but it seems like they would be prepared to do that if they've already shown interest.
"Do I keep and hope he contributes this season and accept that loss of any transfer fee for next year? Or what I think may be a creative option is to offer him a longer-term contract on lower wages, but give him that more security, preserve the asset and try to sell it further down the road, hopefully after a better season.
"You'd be very tempted right now with Newcastle to take number one and bring in somebody new if they can do. But those are the options you've got, and none of them are good.
"But you know, Willock can contribute. I wouldn't say he's the saviour of the club, but certainly when he's fit, he can do things. If I was in the hot seat, that's the sort of thing I'd be weighing up right now."
Newcastle encouraged over Nico Gonzalez deal
Football Insider revealed on Sunday that Manchester City are prepared to sell midfielder Nico Gonzalez to Newcastle before the 1 September deadline.
The North East outfit have opened talks over a move for the 24-year-old, and City are prepared to cash in if they can get a replacement through the door.
Gonzalez is expected to be an expensive deal for Newcastle, with City thought to be holding out for a fee in excess of the £52million that they spent on him.
Enzo Maresca's side are closing in on the signing of Ayyoub Bouaddi, which could provide the trigger for Newcastle to move forward.