As December approaches and the January window moves closer, transfer rumours are now starting to pick up.
We’ve already seen AZ Alkmaar star Kees Smit linked with a potential move to St James’ Park, a current Toon midfielder is now being tipped to depart.
As revealed in his latest exclusive for The Telegraph, Luke Edwards reports that Joe Willock could be on the move in January after receiving interest from Crystal Palace.
Prior to last night’s 2-1 defeat at Marseille, where Willock was superb in the first half after being handed a rare start, the former Arsenal had dropped to sixth place in Eddie Howe’s midfield pecking order.
He’s out of contract in 18 months and it’s believed Palace have received some encouragement that a January move may be possible, especially with Jacob Ramsey adding to our midfield options following a £40m move from Aston Villa in the summer.
Edwards reports that Newcastle will be looking to recoup a fee similar to the £21m paid if we’re to sell Willock, although it is a deal that would also rely on the club signing a like-for-like replacement in January.
At 26, Willock may be tempted to return to London, especially if he fails to win back a regular place in Howe’s side and sees little potential for a new deal, with his current contract set to enter its final 12 months at the end of the 2025/26 season.
With that contract situation in mind, this may also be a wise time for Newcastle to sell, perhaps handing us our last chance to land a good fee for the midfielder.