Newcastle ‘close to finalising’ Joe Willock deal & Chelsea talent also a target – The Telegraph

According to The Telegraph, Newcastle United believe that are ‘close to finalising a deal’ that will see Joe Willock return to the club on a season-long loan deal this summer.

Luke Edwards’ Wednesday afternoon ‘exclusive’ reports that the club are also interested in signing Chelsea talent Conor Gallagher – a player who impressed during a recent loan spell at West Brom.

Back to Willock, The Telegraph state that Willock was ‘so happy’ on Tyneside just a few months ago that he told the club’s hierarchy back in May that he was eager to come back for the 2021/22 season.

Edwards report that Arsenal are reluctant to let him leave on a permanent deal at this stage and could offer him a contract extension to protect his value, but states that he is now ‘likely’ to re-sign for the club on another season-long loan.

It’s said the final decision lies with Mikel Arteta – who stated last night that Willock remained ‘part of his plans’ – however The Telegraph claim that the Spaniard does agree he’ll be better served playing week in, week out for Newcastle than warming the bench in North London.

It seems we were initially determined to sign the 21-year-old on a permanent deal, but Steve Bruce remains in the dark over his summer budget after the ongoing takeover saga has left Mike Ashley refusing to sanction any ‘major deals.’

Because of that, Edwards – a close friend of Steve Bruce’s – claims that the NUFC boss has been showing interest in a loan move for Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher; knowing the attacking midfielder is likely to leave on loan this summer.

Elsewhere, the piece also states that we will NOT be pursuing a £3m move for Baggies centre-back Kyle Bartley – a transfer link that did little to excite anyone on Tyneside last week!

About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

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