Newcastle United line-up deal for in-form star ahead of January transfer approach
Joe Willock stayed at Newcastle United in the summer amid interest from Turkish side Besiktas.
Besiktas remain keen on signing Newcastle United midfielder Joe Willock, according to reports in Turkey.
The former Arsenal man, who is in the final year of his contract at St James’ Park, looked set to leave the club before Matthias Jaissle succeeded Eddie Howe as head coach at the beginning of August.
Willock had fallen down the pecking order under Howe but, in his own words, has been given a “new lease of life” by Jaissle. The 27-year-old has started five of the Magpies’ seven matches in all competitions, and scored three goals.
“I'm happy to still be here,” Willock said. “As I said, it's a massive club that's played a big part in my career. I'm really happy to still be wearing this badge and my shirt and giving my all for this club.
“It's an important club for me and I'm looking to push forward this season. I think we've got big aspirations this season so hopefully we can reach those goals.
“I'm happy to be here and continue fighting and trying to play my best football and giving my best version of myself.”
“The new manager is giving me a new lease of life and I'm really happy that he's here,” he added. “I'm happy working under him. I think he's a really young, exciting coach and we're all learning a lot from him. I think there's way more that we can get better in.
“Yeah, I think I feel valued. I think this is my fifth year here at the club, sixth year maybe. I 'm really maturing in the way I think towards the team.”
Besiktas retain interest in Joe Willock
Turkish outlet FotoMac claims Besiktas are ready to make another move for Willock in January, when he will have just six months remaining on his contract.
However, that could yet change, with Newcastle expected to offer the midfielder a 12-month extension in a bid to prevent him leaving on a free transfer next summer.