Newcastle United midfielder Joe Willock.placeholder image
Newcastle United midfielder Joe Willock. | AFP via Getty Images
Newcastle United transfers: Midfielder Joe Willock has been linked with a move away from St James’ Park this transfer window.
The winter transfer window is set to close on Monday and Newcastle United are yet to confirm a major transfer in or out of the club.
One player who had been tipped for a potential departure amid Premier League interest was midfielder Joe Willock.
The 26-year-old has played a bit-part role at Newcastle in recent seasons with injuries largely limiting his impact on the pitch as he has fallen down the pecking order behind the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Sandro Tonali, Lewis Miley and Jacob Ramsey.
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Joe Willock to Fulham?
Willock was linked with an exit from Newcastle in the winter transfer window and, on Saturday, reports emerged that Fulham had submitted a £20million bid for the midfielder. These claims were promptly played down by Newcastle with Willock expected to stay on Tyneside until the summer at least.
The transfer speculation emerged following Willock’s impressive goalscoring display in the 1-1 draw at Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. The midfielder was brought into the side in the absence of Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton and proved to be an effective change made by head coach Eddie Howe.
Joe Willock’s recent impact at NUFC highlighted by Eddie Howe
Willock kept his place in the starting line-up for Newcastle for the trip to face Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday evening. Despite eventually falling to a 4-1 defeat after taking the lead, Willock was highlighted as one of Newcastle’s better performers on the night, having played a key role in Anthony Gordon’s opener.
“I think Joe’s played really well in the last two games,” Howe said. “Very pleased with him today. I think he suffered a bit of cramp in his hamstring. He was physically all out; he gave everything.
“I think we’ve seen a return to the very best Joe in the last two games. I’ve been delighted with him and that’s a big physical effort for him, very minimal recovery time, he hasn’t had a load of minutes.
“So I think he’d be really proud of what he’s given the team, and certainly a fit and firing Joe Willock is still a huge asset for us.”
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