Paul Robinson has dropped a very worrying transfer claim involving Newcastle United and Joe Willock.

The Lowdown: Bruce wants Willock

As cited by the Evening Standard, Steve Bruce has admitted that he would 'love' to sign Willock on a permanent deal from Arsenal once the summer transfer window opens.

This comes off of the back of a very successful loan spell in the North East, where the central midfield player scored no fewer than eight goals in 14 games in total in the Premier League (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Robinson on Willock

Speaking to Football Insider, Robinson, who is now a pundit after a stellar career playing for the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Leeds United, has claimed that the Tyneside club will struggle to bring Willock back to St. James' Park, and thinks that other teams in the top flight will be looking to sign him:

“Willock been absolutely brilliant in a team who, let’s not forget, have been struggling.

“There has been a lot of pressure on the Newcastle team because a lot of fans want Steve Bruce to be sacked. It’s not easy for a player when that’s going on during a relegation battle. Willock has handled that pressure though.

“Even if Arsenal are to let him go this summer I think they would struggle to sign him.

“His performance over the past few weeks have been fantastic and they have put him in the shop window. I think Premier League clubs will be queuing up to sign him.”

The Verdict: Newcastle may struggle

If other sides in the division come in to try and sign Willock, the Magpies may struggle to compete financially.

It has already been reported that they may have as little as £8-10m to spend on transfers once the market opens, which would not be enough to sign the 21-year-old, unless they can raise enough money from player sales.

Nonetheless, the Toon must try and break the bank if possible in order to bring Willock in permanently, given the impact that he had in his loan spell, which effectively saved them from relegation.

In other news, find out what 'fascinating' takeover insight a sports lawyer has dropped on arbitration here!