Joe Willock has the option to extend his Newcastle United contract at the end of the season, according to outspoken Besiktas president Serdal Adalı.
Willock came close to leaving Newcastle for £17.2million during the summer, but Matthias Jaissle ultimately disrupted those plans and made it clear that the former Arsenal midfielder remained an important part of his plans. Willock has since responded with three goals at the start of the season and has also made it clear that he is happy on Tyneside.
That, however, has not discouraged Besiktas. Adalı has revealed that the Turkish club are planning another move for Willock in January and could make an attractive pre-contract offer before any extension option at Newcastle becomes active.
The situation remains firmly in Newcastle’s hands, with the club potentially able to offer Willock an improved new contract and remove any existing clauses.
Speaking to Milliyet, the Besiktas president said: “There were players we couldn’t sign in the summer. Our manager wanted Joe Willock from day one, it was Willock, Willock, Willock.
“Nobody knows this, but I brought Willock’s whole family to Istanbul.
“They even picked out a house, and they had video calls with Vincenzo Italiano and Onder [Ozen, the football director] at least ten times. Furthermore, we went to see the player in person twice.”
Besiktas are now concerned that Willock could commit his future to Newcastle before the January transfer window opens, potentially bringing an end to their hopes of negotiating a deal.
Adalı said: “He could sign in the mid-season. They asked for £20m. We can sign in January, and I will. Joe Willock was the player the coach wanted but was missing. We really need him there.”
Willock, meanwhile, has spoken positively about his current situation at Newcastle. After scoring the winner against Millwall in the Carabao Cup, the midfielder was asked about his future and said: “I feel valued. It is like my fifth year at the club, and I am really maturing in the way I think towards the team and getting older.
“There are a lot of young players coming in. It is a different role for me this season. I want to help others and push on in my career as well.
“The new manager has given me a new lease of life, I am really happy he’s here and happy working under him.
“He is a really young exciting coach and we are all learning a lot from him. It is good times to be a Newcastle player.”