Journalist close to Steve Bruce shares transfer update – Confirms top targets & Willock competition

The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards has sent a new transfer message to Newcastle United fans on Twitter today, insisting that this can STILL be a ‘good window’ for the club – despite a frustrating start and the lack of money to spend.

The North-East reporter and self-confessed friend of Steve Bruce’s claims that the NUFC boss has ‘three or four’ signings in mind – and wants to kickstart our summer business with moves for Arsenal’s Joe Willock AND Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher.

Edwards insists that one of those could arrive on a permanent deal and that the ‘focus has intensified’ since news of yet another Saudi takeover delay arrived last week.

He also believes that a lot of business will be done late in the day – suggesting August will be an extremely busy month for the club – and reveals that we’re not the only club looking at Willock, with Crystal Palace and Leeds also in for Gallagher.

Here’s what he’s had to say in a Monday message to Toon fans:

On #nufc transfers, it’s frustrating, there isn’t much money but still working on things.

If they get three or four Bruce wants, starting with Willock and Gallagher, it will be a good window.

‘I don’t think both of those will be loans. There will be mix of loans and permanents. Focus has intensified since arbitration delay last week

‘As ever, it’s a huge IF. Market slow in general. Lot of business will be done late.

‘Clubs don’t even have all their players back yet so managers/ clubs reluctant to sanction deals until they have everyone back.

‘Still waiting for accounts and I don’t know definitely as I’ve not seen them but I suspect will show club lost more than £50m income last season which is basically their transfer budget. Which means wheeling and dealing needs to be done.

‘They need an answer on Willock ASAP

‘And yes other clubs are in for Gallagher. Palace being one of them and would mean he can stay in London. Leeds also interested.

‘Think others are also in for Willock too.

‘We’ve done this dance before. That’s why I said it’s a big IF.’

If reports are to be believed, the ‘three or four’ areas Bruce is looking to improve revolves around two midfielders, a centre-back and a versatile forward capable of giving us another option up top.

Willock feels like the big one and is clearly our top target, so let’s hope we get the answer we are looking for from Arsenal – even if it means he returns on another season-long loan.

It’s a concern to hear others are in the mix for his signature, however I am pretty confident he’ll want a return to St James’ Park if Arsenal allow him to spend another season away from North London.

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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