Newcastle 'concerned' about Joe Willock signing pre-contract deal

Newcastle United are "concerned" by the fact that midfielder Joe Willock has his long-term future in his own hands, sources have told Football Insider.

The Magpies have tried to tie the 27-year-old down to a new deal in recent weeks, but have made no progress in that department ahead of his contract expiring next summer.

Willock came extremely close to joining Besiktas in the summer window, with the Turkish giants still extremely keen to try and sign him again.

Sources say that the option of signing a pre-contract agreement with Besiktas is something that is on Willock's radar at the moment.

That could potentially see him seal a move to Turkey six months before his contract expires, with the transfer then going through next summer.

Newcastle have little desire to lose Willock, but are growing concerned by the lack of progress that they have made in contract talks.

Matthias Jaissle reluctant to lose Joe Willock

Newcastle pulled the plug on Willock's exit at the last minute in the summer, as they were worried that they were short of depth in midfield.

He has since enjoyed a bright start to the campaign, with three goals from his opening nine games in all competitions.

Matthias Jaissle has started Willock in five of the opening seven Premier League games, and has clear trust in the former Arsenal man at the moment.

However, the club are now approaching a crossroads when it comes to Willock's future, with a breakthrough in contract talks seemingly not imminent.

Newcastle are not keen on the idea of potentially losing the player for free, but once the January window arrives, he will be free to negotiate his own move abroad.

Is Matthias Jaissle under pressure at Newcastle?

Football Insider revealed last weekend that Jaissle is not yet under pressure at Newcastle, despite a run of three defeats from their last four games.

That run has included heavy losses to both Leeds and Coventry, but the club hierarchy are prepared to give the German boss time to get things right.

Sources say that Jaissle is still held in extremely high regard by the board, who are aware that the significant turnover of players in the summer hasn't helped their cause.

Newcastle are now in the bottom half of the table after Saturday's loss to Aston Villa, but the alarm bells are not ringing inside the club just yet,