Newcastle United have rejected a £10 million offer from Turkish club Besiktas for midfielder Joe Willock, according to reports from Istanbul. The Super Lig outfit, who finished fourth last season, are keen to add Premier League quality and have already signed Arsenal's Leandro Trossard, with rumours also linking them to Liverpool's Mo Salah. Besiktas had their bid turned down via intermediaries, with sources indicating Newcastle are holding out for £25 million for the former Arsenal player.
Transfer policy under Ross Wilson
Head coach Eddie Howe has taken a back seat on some transfers this summer, with sporting director Ross Wilson leading negotiations. Willock is prepared to fight for his place at St James' Park, but Newcastle are open to selling squad players to reinvest elsewhere. The Magpies have already spent £23 million on Ajax youngster Sean Steur, who impressed against them in a 1-1 draw, and £35.5 million on Aladji Bamba from Monaco.
Previous interest from Fulham
Willock was heavily linked with Fulham last season, but the Cottagers did not make a move for the former England youth international.
Willock's commitment to Newcastle
At the end of last season, Willock effectively shut down talk of leaving by referencing his plans to stay with the Magpies four times in an interview with the club's TV channel. He said: "People are going to the World Cup, and some people are having a break. From there, have a break but full focus on coming back next season and coming back in the best possible way and look to next season."
More signings expected
Things are moving swiftly on Tyneside, with up to four more signings possible as squad players are moved on.
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