Newcastle in dreamland as Joe Willock transfer development emerges

Newcastle United seem muddled when it comes to their handling of Joe Willock's future this summer.

The Magpies have allowed the midfielder to enter the final year of his deal without putting a new contract on the table, meaning he will leave for free in June 2027 if nothing is done.

The 26-year-old was heavily linked with a move away from St James' Park back in January, as he has fallen down the pecking order under Eddie Howe.

Willock made just 10 starts in the Premier League last season, as his influence on Tyneside has continued to fade in recent years.

However, such is the lack of depth in the middle of the park at the moment, he has been heavily involved in pre-season so far.

Newcastle are open to moving some of their squad players out the door before the end of the window, but that simply doesn't line up with the stance they have now taken on Willock.

Newcastle set completely unrealistic Joe Willock valuation

Newcastle are seemingly happy to allow Willock to leave this summer, provided that they don't leave themselves short in terms of their midfield options.

Football Insider revealed at the end of June that the former Arsenal man is "expected" to leave St James' before the new campaign gets underway.

The Magpies have just been handed the perfect chance to offload the out-of-favour star by Besiktas, but Chronicle Live has reported that their offer has been knocked back.

The Turkish giants are understood to have seen their £10million bid swiftly rejected, with Newcastle reportedly holding out for £25m to sanction an exit.

That is a completely unrealistic demand for a player who could leave on a free transfer this summer, and represents extremely poor business if Newcastle continue to stick to that demand.

Chronicle Live understand that sporting director Ross Wilson has taken the leading role in the club's transfer business this summer, and he is seemingly in dreamland with the current valuation of Willock.

Newcastle likely to accept £80m Bruno Guimaraes offer

Football Insider revealed on Saturday that Newcastle are likely to accept an offer from Arsenal for Bruno Guimaraes, if they receive a bid that hits the £80m mark.

The Gunners are working hard to land the midfielder this summer, and have already seen a £70m offer knocked back.

Talks have been ongoing between the two parties via intermediaries, and it is expected that those discussions will continue in the coming days.

Guimaraes has made it clear that he is keen to move to the Emirates Stadium ahead of next season, and Newcastle are now preparing to sell at the right price.