Besiktas Have Joe Willock in Their Sights

Besiktas have set their sights on Joe Willock as one of the summer's notable midfield targets. According to The Telegraph's Luke Edwards, Newcastle United have decided not to offer the 26-year-old English midfielder, who is entering the final year of his contract, a new deal — a development that makes a move abroad an increasingly realistic prospect for Willock. Chronicle Live has also reported that Besiktas identified Willock as a target after finishing fourth in the Super Lig last season and strengthening their squad.

According to the report, Besiktas' opening offer stood at around £10 million, but Newcastle rejected the bid and are said to be valuing the player at closer to £25 million. According to comments made by journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu to Lupen Sports, Besiktas brought Willock's agent to Istanbul, held talks, and the player himself approved the move — though it's stressed that Newcastle would need to lower their asking price for any deal to be completed.

Willock, who joined Newcastle from Arsenal for £25 million in the summer of 2021 and has since contributed 19 goals and 11 assists in 182 appearances across all competitions, is said to have struggled to secure a consistent starting spot under Eddie Howe. Besiktas head coach Vincenzo Italiano reportedly views Willock as a dynamic, complementary midfield option as part of the club's ambitious summer rebuild, with negotiations between the two clubs expected to be resolved in the coming days.

Source: The Telegraph
Image: Be Soccer