Joe Willock, 21, spent the second half of last season on loan at St James' Park and scored eight goals in 14 appearances; manager Steve Bruce has been vocal about his desire to bring Willock back to Newcastle from Arsenal this summer
Wednesday 11 August 2021 19:37, UK
Newcastle United and Joe Willock are a distance apart on agreeing personal terms despite a fee being agreed with Arsenal for the midfielder.
The Magpies are hoping to sign the 21-year-old in time for their season opener at the weekend against West Ham, after having a bid of £25m, including add-ons, accepted.
Willock has been Newcastle's number-one target all window following a successful loan spell in the second half of last season.
During his time at St James', the midfielder scored eight goals in 14 appearances and set a new record by becoming the youngest player to score in seven consecutive games.
Newcastle boss Steve Bruce has made no secret of his desire to see Willock return to the club this summer, and said last month they would "keep badgering away" to secure his signing.
The 2021/22 Premier League will start on Saturday August 14 - 34 days after the Euro 2020 final at Wembley.
The season will end on May 22 2022, with all 10 games kicking off at the same time.
The 2021/22 EFL season will kick-off on Saturday August 7.
Next season's League One campaign will finish on the weekend of April 30 2022, with League Two and the Championship on one of May 7 and May 8 respectively.
The League One play-off final will then be held on Saturday May 21, the League Two play-off final on Saturday May 28, and the Championship play-off final on Sunday May 29.
You can follow all the latest transfer news and rumours in our dedicated Transfer Centre blog on Sky Sports' digital platforms, as well as keeping track of all the developments on Sky Sports News.
