Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle has refused to rule out the sale of Joe Willock before the transfer window closes, with Besiktas still interested in the midfielder.
The Magpies have up to £100 million available for spending in the remainder of the summer trading period, but departures are also expected before the deadline. Willock could still move to the Turkish club, although Besiktas have so far resisted paying Newcastle's asking price of £17.4 million. The fee is set at that level because of a 10% sell-on clause owed to Arsenal, Willock's former club.
Willock's future remains uncertain
Willock impressed with a typical bursting run from midfield to score in the 2-2 draw against Liverpool at St James' Park, but his future remains uncertain in the final week of the window. When pressed on the midfielder, Jaissle told reporters: "In a club, you can never say definitely. In football, also. He has shown a good pre-season, we know his quality, and I am delighted he scored."
Chronicle Live understands that Besiktas still want Willock and are also in talks with Juventus over Fabio Miretti. The Super Lig side's aim is to sign two midfielders.
Jaissle praises Willock's commitment
Speaking on Sunday night, Jaissle had praised Willock's display against the 2025 Premier League champions. He said: "He showed what we wish to see. He has shown that already in pre-season, and in three weeks, he has shown that potential. 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."
Newcastle ended the game against Liverpool with William Osula coming off in pain after requiring medication during the match to ease the agony of a leg injury. However, Jaissle does not expect Osula to be out for long, and it will not require a push in the last days of the window for a replacement. Jaissle told reporters: "He could not continue at 100%, so we took him off. It is nothing serious."
Gonzalez deal still on the table
Newcastle were still hopeful of signing Gonzalez in the closing days of business and have staff in place to bring the player to Tyneside once they get the green light from City. The 24-year-old trained with the Citizens yesterday, but a £50 million deal remains on the table with City's transfer chief and former Newcastle man Hugo Viana conducting the deal with Toon sporting director Ross Wilson.
