Is Joe Willock's future dependent on the arrival of another midfield star, either way Matthias Jaissle knows there is work to be done in the rest of the window
Joe Willock celebrates scoring for Newcastle United against Liverpool
Joe Willock celebrates scoring for Newcastle United against Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Matthias Jaissle admits he would be open to keeping Joe Willock for the first half of the season after his well-taken strike against Liverpool.
But admitted that he still expects more movement in the transfer window before trading shuts for the summer, with Newcastle still effectively one midfielder light.
Newcastle are still in the market for Man City star Nico Gonzalez with such an expensive move meaning Jaissle will be under pressure to sell Willock, as Besiktas hold out for a knockdown price for the ex-Arsenal youngster.
In what has been a summer of uncertainty for Willock, Jaissle was asked what he has been like to work with given the ex-England Under-21 man has arguably been sitting in Newcastle's departure lounge with a financial tipping point almost certainly in place.
Jaissle told Chronicle Live: "He showed what we wish to see. He has shown that already in pre-season, and in three weeks, he has shown that potential.
"Today I am so happy that he stepped on the pitch when it was needed and showed it straight away. Great commitment from him.
"I could go through the whole squad and say that, not only the 11 starters but the subs too, that commitment was there so I am really proud."
Jaissle was asked if Willock is somebody he wants to stay after a powerful performance in the German coach's engine room.
The German head coach said: "Sure. With these performances."
Newcastle will push on for a midfielder and potentially a forward, but Jaissle has hinted he wants more than just two stars.
When asked if there would be more trading, he said: "Yes. Today the lads were doing amazing.
"It’s a young squad, unbelievable, but we have some needs. We know that internally, and we keep that also internally.
And when asked how many players he will need to complete the make-up of his squad, he said: “You can count it on one hand, I would say.”
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