Newcastle reject Joe Willock bid from Premier League rivals days after Champions League heroics

Fulham have seen a £20million bid for Joe Willock rejected by Newcastle, talkSPORT understands.

The former Arsenal midfielder has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter at St James’ Park in recent years.

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Willock is thought to be keen on a move to west London, although the Magpies are reluctant to sanction an exit this late in the window without sourcing a replacement.

His current deal expires in June 2027, meaning this could be one of the last remaining opportunities to cash in on a player they bought for £25m back in 2021.

The 26-year-old has only started seven times in all competitions under Eddie Howe this term – but proved his worth in the club’s most recent fixture.

Willock scored the equaliser in an impressive 1-1 draw with European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the French capital.

The Englishman joined Newcastle after an explosive loan spell from Arsenal during the 2020/21 campaign.

Willock scored in seven consecutive Premier League games, matching a club record set by the legendary Alan Shearer.

However, the four seasons that followed have been disrupted by persistent injury problems.

Newcastle have also seen the emergence of Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Sandro Tonali as one of the top-flight’s strongest midfield trios.

At Fulham, Willock would be reunited with a number of Hale End graduates from his time in the Gunners’ academy – in what has become something of a trend for Marco Silva’s side.

Emile Smith Rowe and Alex Iwobi are both important players for the Cottagers, while Reiss Nelson spent last season on loan at Craven Cottage from Arsenal.

‘It’s tough’

Willock recently admitted that recent times have been difficult for him at Newcastle after opening his account for the season on Wednesday.

“It has been a long time and it has been tough for me,” Willock said.

“I have had tough moments but I have always stuck in and turned up in training. I give my best in everything I do.

“Thank God this moment has happened. I am just looking forward to the next game in this competition. I am delighted.

“I thank God at this moment for scoring my first goal. Hopefully, I can get many more.”