Premier League club want £25m Newcastle United star and deal makes sense for both clubs

Crystal Palace are reportedly targeting Newcastle United outcast Joe Willock despite facing uncertainty over their Europa League spot.

Eagles chiefs face a frantic scramble over whether UEFA will allow them to play in Europe next season. John Textor, the club’s main shareholder, failed to place his holdings in a blind trust before the March 1 deadline.

This has placed Palace’s summer transfer preparations in a state of limbo until a solution is ironed out. However, the Daily Mail claim Newcastle forgotten man Willock is on their radar.

Signed for £25million in 2021 following an impressive loan spell, the midfielder has struggled to kick on at St James’ Park. Injuries have hampered Willock’s progress and he made just 10 Premier League starts last season.

Sandro Tonali, Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes are Eddie Howe’s preferred midfield trio. Willock failed to take his chance following Joelinton’s injury at the back end of the campaign.

A move might be best for all parties if Newcastle can recoup a sizable chunk of the fee paid to Arsenal four years ago. The Magpies will be wary, however, that their squad is already wafer-thin ahead of a Champions League season.

Marc Guehi factor

While nothing concrete has been relayed to NewcastleWorld, Palace liking Willock could open an avenue in the Marc Guehi saga. Toon chiefs remain interested after failing to land the defender a year ago.

The Eagles are not in as strong a negotiating position as the England international has one year remaining on his current deal. Newcastle also have Champions League football to offer - a player-plus-cash deal or cunning PSR trick could be an option.

Joe Willock happy at Newcastle United

Willock insisted he “loves” Newcastle when speaking to the media in April. He said: “It’s everything to me. The fans, I feel like they give so much back when we play for them, so we can just thank them.

“I love coming here and seeing the city, seeing the young kids with all the shirts on. I’m thoroughly enjoying my time here, and I love everything about the city.”

Eddie Howe on Newcastle United trading

Speaking in December, Howe acknowledged that player trading is essential for top-flight clubs given the PSR climate. He said: “The days when teams don’t sell big players are gone. I think our revenue streams aren’t where we want them to be. We’re still trying to grow them, so I think that trading in and out is going to be essential.

“Hopefully, it’s not going to be players that we’re forced to sell but you can’t guarantee anything. The issue with PSR and our position is that nothing is clear-cut. Nothing is absolutely fixed; there will be lots of twists and turns in January. But we want to try and improve the squad.”

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