Newcastle United midfielder Joe Willock wants Fulham move | OneFootball

Newcastle United midfielder Joe Willock is keen to join Fulham before the winter transfer deadline on Monday, according to journalist and transfer insider Ben Jacobs.

Newcastle are open to letting the Englishman leave the St James’ Park club as long as a replacement can be secured.

The Magpies have already rejected a £20 million bid from Fulham and there could be some interesting hours ahead between all parties.

Willock has played 20 times for Newcastle this season but is not a starter under manager Eddie Howe.

The 26-year-old has started only seven times and is desperate to leave for regular playing opportunities elsewhere.

It appears Fulham have guaranteed that he will get to play more, but the Magpies are unwilling to let him leave without a replacement sorted.

He was also linked with Crystal Palace earlier in the window, and Newcastle were only considering a sale if they signed AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit first.

However, the Dutchman will not be leaving the Eredivisie club in this window and the Toons have to look elsewhere or wait until the summer.

Willock scored his first goal of the season to help Newcastle draw 1-1 against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday, and Howe may not be willing to lose such a player.

Willock joined the Toons in a £21 million deal in August 2021 after a successful six-month loan from Arsenal.

He hit the ground running upon moving to Tyneside but has struggled for form in recent months, with injuries playing a major role in his dip.

The out-of-favour Newcastle star is now seeking a fresh challenge elsewhere and could be on his way out of the club before the end of Monday or in the summer.