Matthias Jaissle has admitted he would be open to keeping Joe Willock for the first half of the season after the midfielder's well-taken strike against Liverpool. The Newcastle United head coach also confirmed he expects more movement in the transfer window before it closes, with the squad still effectively one midfielder light.
Willock's future in balance
Newcastle remain in the market for Manchester City's Nico Gonzalez, a move so expensive that Jaissle would be under pressure to sell Willock, with Besiktas holding out for a knockdown price for the former Arsenal youngster.
Asked what it has been like to work with Willock during a summer of uncertainty, Jaissle told Chronicle Live: "He showed what we wish to see. He has shown that already in pre-season, and in three weeks, he has shown that potential."
"Today 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."
More signings expected
When asked if Willock is somebody he wants to stay after a powerful performance in the German coach's engine room, Jaissle said: "Sure. With these performances."
Newcastle will push on for a midfielder and potentially a forward, but Jaissle has hinted he wants more than just two stars. Asked if there would be more trading, he said: "Yes. Today the lads were doing amazing. It’s a young squad, unbelievable, but we have some needs. We know that internally, and we keep that also internally."
And when asked how many players he will need to complete the make-up of his squad, he said: "You can count it on one hand, I would say."
