Newcastle United could be set for yet another midfield departure this summer, with Turkish giants Besiktas having submitted a formal bid for Joe Willock, according to SporDepor reporter Musafa Karatas.

Besiktas have tabled an offer worth €7 million plus €5 million in add-ons for the England international — a figure that falls roughly €8 million short of what Newcastle are demanding. Journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu reports that Besiktas have tracked Willock since July, though the Magpies have only trimmed their asking price by a couple of million pounds so far.

Another departure from Tyneside

The potential sale would represent another blow for supporters who have already watched Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon, and Bruno Guimaraes walk out the door this summer, along with manager Eddie Howe and goalkeeper Nick Pope.

Willock, now 26, initially arrived at St. James' Park on loan from Arsenal in 2020 and made an immediate impression, scoring eight Premier League goals in 14 appearances during the second half of that campaign to help Newcastle climb away from the relegation zone. He subsequently made the move permanent.

Over the past two seasons, Willock has accumulated 80 appearances across all competitions — a respectable tally, but one that has not translated into the level of influence many expected. With Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, and Sandro Tonali all ahead of him in the pecking order last term, the midfielder struggled to stamp his authority on games at St. James' Park.

Competition remains fierce in midfield

Despite two of those senior midfielders now having departed, Willock may still find his path to regular football blocked. Newcastle have brought in Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba as midfield reinforcements, while the club are also keen to develop Lewis Miley as a key figure in the engine room going forward.

Transfermarkt values Willock at €14 million — €2 million above Besiktas's total offer including add-ons — suggesting a gap remains to be bridged before any deal can be concluded. Talks are described as ongoing.

Newcastle kick off their Premier League season against Liverpool this weekend.