Newcastle Hopeful Of Boost In Willock Pursuit

Newcastle United are interested in signing Arsenal player Joe Willock, If Emile Smith move to Arsenal.

Joe Willock impressed during Newcastle loan spell last season and Steve Bruce says he will “keep badgering away” to bring 21-year-old back to St James’ Park.

Newcastle defender Florian Lejeune completes permanent move to Alaves.

Newcastle have approached the Gunners over the availability of Willock, with manager Steve Bruce saying he would “keep badgering away” over a player who impressed him last season.

Smith Rowe had been the subject of two failed bids from Aston Villa earlier in the summer and his departure would undoubtedly have made it tougher for Arsenal to part with Willock.

The two players could well have been competing for the same position in Mikel Arteta’s first-team plans, with Smith Rowe having taken his chance to shine last season before Willock was sent out on loan to St James’ Park.

Smith Rowe made 33 appearances for Arsenal last season and his consistent performances meant Willock was given his own chance to shine in the north-east in January.

Willock scored eight times in 14 Premier League appearances under Bruce and set a new record by becoming the youngest player to score in seven consecutive games.