Mark Douglas has claimed that Joe Willock is now keen on a move to Newcastle United before the summer transfer window shuts.

The Lowdown: Willock wanted

As quoted by the Evening Standard back in May, Steve Bruce has admitted that he would ‘love’ to sign Willock on a permanent deal from Arsenal, given just how successful his loan spell was at St. James' Park in the 2020/21 season.

The central midfield player scored no fewer than eight goals in 14 matches in total in the Premier League while playing in the North East (Transfermarkt), and thus played a big part in getting them away from the relegation zone.

The Latest: Douglas on Willock

Writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, Douglas has claimed that the Tyneside club is the 'preferred option' for Willock should he able to leave the Emirates Stadium.

The Englishman is their 'priority target', and is 'keen' on a move back to the Magpies, so that he can give himself a better chance of being picked for England's squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, should Gareth Southgate's team make it through qualifying of course.

The Verdict: Sign

It is certainly a no-brainer to try and sign Willock permanently after the impact that he made on Tyneside.

Alan Shearer described the 21-year-old as 'brilliant' during his loan spell, which is such high praise from a decorated NUFC legend, and Willock will be eager to carry on where he left off.

Nonetheless, with no new signings made so far in this window, it would certainly get the fans on board with the new 2021/22 Premier League season only a couple of weeks away.

In other news, find out what definitive takeover claim has been made here!