Former Newcastle United midfielder Rob Lee spoke to Transfer Tavern to discuss potential incomings and outgoings ahead of the summer transfer window.
One name which was mentioned as a possible arrival on Tyneside was that of on-loan Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock.
Should Newcastle sign Joe Willock?
Yes!
No!
The 21-year-old joined the Magpies in February on a half-season long loan and has since made nine appearances in the Premier League for Steve Bruce’s side.
Willock has netted three huge goals for the Magpies since arriving, one in their 3-2 victory against Southampton, a late equaliser against Tottenham Hotspur and most recently a late winner against West Ham.
However, Lee believes it will take an offer somewhere in the region of £25m to prize the youngster away from his parent club this summer.
He said: “They’ll probably ask for £25 million and that’s the problem these days.
“You look at some players and think, ‘is he worth it?’ There has to be some sort of range where clubs aren’t willing to go past to sign a certain player.”
TIF Thoughts on Lee’s comments…
The £20k-per-week ace has certainly made a great impression on Tyneside so far. His three goals may not be a huge return, however, each three of the goals have been in games in which Newcastle have earned points from and as they battle away in their relegation scrap, every point counts.
Perhaps the goals scored for Newcastle may have inflated Willock’s price this summer with Bruce already suggesting the club will access their options in trying to sign the midfielder on a permanent deal this summer.
Regardless of whether the Toon are able to secure Willock on a permanent deal this summer or not, his goals will have played a huge role in their survival if they are to remain in the Premier League for next season.
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