Newcastle United has reportedly rejected Besiktas’ opening attempt to sign Joe Willock, with the Magpies standing firm over their valuation of the midfielder despite him only having one year left on his deal.
Willock has been linked with a move away from St. James’ Park throughout the summer after slipping down Eddie Howe’s midfield pecking order, but it looks like Newcastle is unwilling to let him leave cheaply.
According to Chronicle Live’s Lee Ryder, Besiktas made an initial £10 million offer through
intermediaries, only for Newcastle to immediately dismiss the proposal.
“Chronicle Live understands that Besiktas have had a £10m offer knocked back via intermediaries,” Ryder reported.
Making things a bit ridiculous, however, is not the fact that Newcastle rejected the bid (which was fair to start with), but that they are valuing Willock at a staggering £25 million. According to Transfermarkt, if Newcastle pulls that off, Willock’s sale would rank close to a top-30 transfer this summer.
“Sources in Istanbul have indicated Newcastle want £25m for Willock,” Ryder reported.
The 26-year-old featured in Saturday’s pre-season draw against Gateshead, underlining that he remains part of Howe’s plans while the transfer window remains open and more reinforcements arrive.
While Ryder reported that Newcastle is prepared to listen to offers for squad players this summer as the club looks to generate funds for further additions, including Willock, he revealed that Howe won’t have much of a saying on those business, with sporting director Ross Wilson leading much of the club’s transfers.
Regarding Willock, he indicated he expects to remain on Tyneside this campaign even with his contract expiring in less than 12 months. Despite that stance, Newcastle’s midfield isi a bit crowded once again even after the departure of Sandro Tonali and the possible Bruno exit, as the Magpies landed Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba.
Although Besiktas has now had an opening bid rejected, Ryder’s report suggests Newcastle would be willing to sanction a sale if its valuation is met, although with the figure being so unrealistically high, it’s fair to assume the Turkish club won’t go the distane.
