Newcastle to accept Joe Willock offer, they're 'actively' looking for replacement

Newcastle United will accept an offer for midfielder Joe Willock if they can secure a replacement, sources have told Football Insider.

Besiktas are making a "big push" to sign the 27-year-old, who is out of contract at St James' Park in June 2027.

The Magpies have no intention of allowing the former Arsenal man to run that contract down and ultimately leave on a free transfer next summer.

Sources say that they are "actively" looking for a new centre-midfielder to add to their squad, and a deal in that area will provide the trigger for Willock to leave.

Besiktas are working hard to get their man, and are hopeful that a deal can be struck in the final week of the window.

Willock came off the bench and scored in Newcastle's 2-2 draw with Liverpool last weekend, but the club are ready to take their final chance to sell him.

Besiktas interest gives Newcastle breathing room

Besiktas are pushing hard to get their man, and Newcastle will be glad that the interest in Willock is coming from the Turkish Super Lig.

Premier League sides only have until 11pm on 1 September to conclude their summer business, but Turkish clubs have an additional three days to finalise any deals.

That allows the North East outfit slightly greater breathing room when it comes to their efforts to offload Willock.

Nevertheless, their ability to secure a suitable replacement still holds the key to any potential deal, as Matthias Jaissle is keen to avoid leaving his options short in the middle of the park.

Newcastle are pursuing several targets to strengthen their midfield, with Manchester City's Nico Gonzalez one of their top priorities at the moment.

They are prepared to accept an offer for Willock as a result, but only when they are truly satisfied with their depth in his position.

Newcastle also have Joe Willock contract option

Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness told Football Insider on Monday that Newcastle also have the option of handing a new long-term contract to Willock.

The former boardroom man suggested that the Magpies could try and tempt the midfielder into taking a pay cut, in exchange for the greeater security of a longer deal.

Wyness then outlined that the club would be able to preserve their asset, and potentially sell him next summer when his value would be higher.

That is another avenue that remains open for Newcastle right now, which they could turn to if they cannot offload Willock before the deadline.