Newcastle United and Leeds United could find common ground in a transfer agreement for one of the Magpies' fringe players this month or later this season.
Newcastle is actively pursuing a return to Champions League football, currently sitting just two points shy of fifth place in the Premier League after securing consecutive victories against Burnley and Crystal Palace.
Despite a somewhat inconsistent campaign, Newcastle remains in the hunt for European qualification.
Joe Willock to Leeds United Transfer Updates
To strengthen Eddie Howe's squad, Newcastle is in search of reinforcements this January to secure their position in the upper half of the table.
With an intensive January schedule that includes eight fixtures across four competitions, the pressure on Howe's roster will be significant.
Upcoming matches against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup semi-final, PSV Eindhoven, and Paris Saint Germain in the UEFA Champions League, along with competitive fixtures against Aston Villa, make early signings critical.
Newcastle's Profitability and Sustainability (PSR) position would undoubtedly benefit from player sales, particularly for those not currently contributing meaningfully.
One player under consideration is Joe Willock, the former Arsenal midfielder whose role has diminished this season as opponents set up defensively against Howe's team, limiting Willock's effectiveness.
Now 26 and with only 11 Premier League appearances this season (two as a starter), Willock's contract with Newcastle is down to the final 18 months.
Leeds showed interest in Willock last summer before opting to sign Sean Longstaff instead.
Willock has the potential to replicate Longstaff’s successful transition to Leeds, where he could experience more playing time in a system that aligns with his strengths.
Currently, Leeds is in a good position, sitting eight points above the relegation zone with a remarkable seven-game unbeaten streak. They bolstered their midfield with Longstaff and Anton Stach during the summer, yet are still in need of a box-to-box player like Willock.
Newcastle appears willing to sell, allowing them to pursue new targets such as promising young Dutch talent Kees Smit, expected to leave AZ Alkmaar soon amid calls from several top clubs.
Smit could find more playing opportunities in Newcastle's squad, especially with Howe's tendency to rotate players due to a congested schedule.
Howe has shown a willingness to integrate young talent into the squad, as evidenced by Lewis Miley's recent performances and recognition as the club's Player of the Month.
With his Newcastle contract unlikely to be extended beyond next summer, Willock's market value is set to decrease as the expiration date nears.
Leeds may view the potential £20 million acquisition of Willock as a lower priority now, considering he will enter the final year of his deal this summer.
The current Leeds transfer management has effectively completed deals at reasonable prices, making this kind of transaction attractive.
Having joined Newcastle in 2021 for a reported fee of £25 million, a transfer above £10 million now could potentially yield an accounting profit for the club.
Additionally, Will Osula, Willock's close teammate, may leave St. James' Park this month, with Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt showing interest.
Willock is valued at €16 million and is considered a strategic acquisition for Leeds, offering something unique to their midfield as he enters his prime years.
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