Joe Willock wanted by Besiktas - Report

Newcastle United midfielder Joe Willock's future at the club is in serious doubt after being told he can leave this summer.

The 26-year-old was told, along with Nick Pope and Jacob Murphy, that they could find new clubs over the pre-season break, although all three are back in training at The KNOX and participated in Saturday's 3-0 friendly win over Darlington.

Joe Willock opened the scoring for the Magpies in that game and, six minutes later, won a penalty that was converted by Will Osula as the former Arsenal man tried to send a message to Eddie Howe.

Willock is in the final year of his contract, and Newcastle will be hoping to cash in on the midfielder now rather than lose him for free next year.

Besiktas want Joe Willock

Turkish Super Lig side Besiktas are showing interest, according to a report in The Chronicle.

The report claims that Willock is determined to stay at Newcastle and fight for his place, particularly after seeing Sandro Tonali leave, followed by the club missing out on Johan Manzambi.

Besiktas are believed to have a three-year contract lined up for Willock, but as yet there has been no approach from the Turkish side, who have just signed Leandro Trossard from Arsenal.

Sean Steur is a ready-made replacement for Joe Willock

It's our belief that Newcastle should listen to any offers for Willock. He never managed to deliver on that early promise he showed during his loan spell when he equalled Alan Shearer's record of scoring in six consecutive games. A record that was then broken by someone called Alexander something or other.

Injury problems have plagued Willock's last two seasons at Newcastle, and that certainly won't have helped his progress.

If Newcastle are able to recoup any kind of fee for him, then we should certainly be looking to sell. Newcastle have brought in Sean Steur, who can replace Willock in the pecking order for Eddie Howe, while the replacement for Sandro Tonali still needs to be found.