Newcastle United could sell players during the January transfer window, and two Premier League clubs are interested in a star almost entering the final year of his contract.
Clearly, much of the focus at Newcastle United this month will be on players they could potentially sign.
Still, player trading remains a key part of the process. While Newcastle do not necessarily need to sell to buy, they do need to get better at raising money through player sales in general.
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In an ideal world, Eddie Howe has confirmed he doesn’t want to sell players in January.
However, Joe Willock is one of the players who could depart.
Newcastle are open to selling Willock, who may have a chance to join former teammate Sean Longstaff.
Leeds and Nottingham Forest want to sign Joe Willock
According to iNews, Willock has interest from both Leeds and Nottingham Forest.
Leeds, of course, signed Longstaff from Newcastle back in July and the Yorkshire giants are hoping to stay in the Premier League this season.
They may well need some reinforcements during the January transfer window to achieve their goal and Willock is thought to be of interest.
Which player do you regret selling more – Elliot Anderson or Yankuba Minteh?
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Willock – who made 82 appearances alongside Longstaff at Newcastle – is out of contract in the summer of 2027.
Fulham and Crystal Palace have previously been linked with a move, too.
Selling Joe Willock could unlock financial doors for Newcastle United
Interestingly, the report adds that selling the likes of Willock could keep the financial wheels moving at Newcastle.
Should they sell him for anything approaching a significant sum, the club could feasibly reinvest it without worrying too much about PSR limitations.
Newcastle do not generally sell players for a lot of money unless they are forced to.
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The only huge sales they’ve made during the PIF era – Alexander Isak, Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh – came against their wishes.
By selling players like Willock and perhaps William Osula, the club could avoid the PSR nightmare that saw them forced to sell Anderson and Minteh in the future.
Howe is a big fan of Willock but, if there’s genuine interest in him, it should be acted upon.
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