TRANSFER SWAP: PALACE EYES JOE WILLOCK, NEWCASTLE PLOTS KEES SMIT
Crystal Palace are considering a January bid for Newcastle midfielder Joe Willock, whose role has diminished at St James' Park.
Crystal Palace is thinking about making a move for Newcastle United midfielder Joe Willock in January.
Willock's spot in the Newcastle lineup has slipped in the past year. He hasn't been able to play as well as he did two years ago, when he helped the team reach the Champions League under Eddie Howe.
Injuries bothered the 26-year-old last season, and he didn't make a big impact when he had the chance to play. After Jacob Ramsey came from Aston Villa this summer, Willock seemed to be Newcastle's sixth choice for midfield.
This makes Palace think they might be able to sign the former England player and bring him back to London in January. Newcastle paid about £21m for Willock and would want to get that money back. This would improve their financial situation, since he’s been at the club for a while.
Howe might he have different plans? The Newcastle manager doesn't like to lose players mid-season and surprisingly started Willock in the 2-1 Champions League loss to Marseille on Tuesday night.
Newcastle has tough choices to make. They want to sign AZ Alkmaar’s Kees Smit in January and believe the 19-year-old is interested.
Smit, who many big European clubs are watching, will only move to Newcastle if he gets regular playing time and the club can afford the deal in January.
This might convince Howe to let Willock go if they get a good offer in January.
Willock played his best in months, displaying the energy and ball skills that made him popular.
He helped set up Harvey Barnes’ early goal and almost had an assist when he ran up the field and crossed to Anthony Gordon. Gordon missed the chance, but it showed how good Willock can be.
Now, there might be a reason to give him a run in the team, as Ramsey is having trouble adjusting to Newcastle after his summer move.
When Willock is at his best, Newcastle is better. He brings different things to the midfield, has an eye for goal, and is fast with the ball.
But for the past year and a half, he’s struggled with his fitness and performance. He seems to be in better shape this season, and his game against Marseille showed what he can do.
Willock could keep his place in the team against Everton after his performance in Europe, and Howe won’t want to lose him.
But Newcastle has to make tough choices as they get better and improve the squad. If they want to sign Smit in January, they might need to sell Willock to pay for the move and make room in the squad.
Newcastle has six central midfield players competing for three spots, and Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, and Joelinton are still the first choices, despite their inconsistency this season.
If Smit is going to St. James’ Park, the deal probably has to happen in January. If Newcastle waits until the summer, there will likely be a lot of competition for him.
This is maybe why Willock would consider a move now.
Signed by Steve Bruce in 2021 after a good loan from Arsenal, the player’s contract ends in 2027, and he probably won’t sign another if he’s not playing often.
Newcastle knows that now might be the time to sell him to get a good price.
Newcastle needs to improve its squad. The club wants to lower the average age of the squad, as some of Howe’s key players are getting close to or past 30.
Willock has been good for Newcastle and might still have a role in the next few months. But he’s entering his prime and doesn’t want to be a backup player, only coming off the bench occasionally.
NICK POPE MISTAKE: HOWE'S STONEY FACE SAYS EVERYTHING NOW
Marseille beat Newcastle 2-1 as Aubameyang's brace completes a comeback. Eddie Howe defends Nick Pope after his costly mistake.
Newcastle United lost to Marseille 2-1 in the Champions League on Tuesday night, blowing a lead for the third away game in a row.
Harvey Barnes scored early for Newcastle at Stade Velodrome, but Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored twice in the second half to turn the game around for Marseille.
Aubameyang's first goal came right after halftime. Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope came off his line, and the 36-year-old took advantage.
After the game, Howe said he was annoyed by every loss, but this one hurt because they played well in the first half and had a good position. He said the first 10 minutes of the second half cost them the game and that they didn't respond well after Marseille's quick goal.
Newcastle had previously led 1-0 against Brentford and West Ham United before losing 3-1. Howe was frustrated by the avoidable loss at Stade Velodrome.
He said they played well in the first half and did most things right. He added that they were a threat and played well athletically, which was a big improvement.
Howe said the performance was strong and that they were a scoring threat, which they haven't been away from home this year. He was happy with the performance overall, even though the two goals were disappointing.
Pope's mistake and his form this season have led to some criticism, with Aaron Ramsdale only starting two Carabao Cup games.
But Howe defended Pope, saying that he is always concerned when they concede goals, no matter who is at fault. He added that they need to be balanced and that Pope has saved them many times, including making some good saves against Manchester City recently. He said he would always back him.
Newcastle's next game is away against Everton in the Premier League as they look for their first league away win of the season.
NEWCASTLE READY TO PAY BIG FOR INTER'S DAVIDE FRATTESI
Newcastle could make a January move for Inter Milan's Davide Frattesi. The Italian midfielder has fallen out of the pecking order and may be available.
Newcastle United may go after Inter Milan midfielder Davide Frattesi again. His place at Inter Milan isn't very secure right now.
Frattesi, 26, joined Inter in 2023 but hasn't played much this season. Because of this, there's talk that he might move to the Premier League in January.
Sport Witness says Newcastle was one of the teams interested in Frattesi during the summer.
But Inter, then with Simone Inzaghi as manager, didn't want to sell him because they thought he was an important player.
Since Cristian Chivu became the manager, Frattesi's situation has changed a lot.
He's played less than 200 minutes in Serie A this season. Piotr Zieliński and Petar Sucic are ahead of him.
Now, Inter is willing to let players leave in January to manage their finances. Tuttomercatoweb says Frattesi will very likely be available.
Newcastle is watching closely and might make an offer soon. The team has always liked Frattesi's energy and skill.
Newcastle wants more midfielders.
If Frattesi joins, it would help a midfield that has been struggling at times this season.
Newcastle wants to do well in the Premier League and in Europe, so they need more good midfielders.
Frattesi is said to be interested in playing in another country, especially in the Premier League. He thinks his physical style and smart play would be a good fit there.
If Newcastle signs him, Frattesi could be a key addition to help them try to qualify for Europe.