Newcastle United have declined a £10 million bid from Turkish club Besiktas for midfielder Joe Willock, maintaining their valuation of the former Arsenal player at around £25 million. Besiktas, who finished in the top four of the Turkish Super Lig last season, have been seeking to add Premier League experience to their squad, having already secured Arsenal title winner Leandro Trossard. There are also reports from Istanbul linking the club with a potential move for Liverpool forward Mo Salah, though these remain speculative.

Willock, who appeared in Newcastle’s recent friendly against Gateshead, remains part of the squad as head coach Eddie Howe appears to have delegated much of the transfer activity to sporting director Ross Wilson. The midfielder is reportedly willing to compete for a starting role at St James’ Park, but Newcastle are open to negotiating sales on some players to reinvest the funds in other areas of the team.

The club has been active in the transfer market this summer, signing Ajax youngster Sean Steur for £23 million, as well as completing a £35.5 million deal for Monaco forward Aladji Bamba. Willock was linked with a move to Fulham last season, but that transfer did not materialize.

In other squad news, Harvey Barnes has committed his future to Newcastle by signing a new long-term contract, which potentially secures his stay until the end of his career at the club. The 28-year-old winger, who initially signed a five-year deal in 2023 and had two years remaining, is expected to take on an increased role as the club's first-choice left-winger following Anthony Gordon’s departure. Barnes expressed satisfaction with the new agreement, saying it gives him confidence heading into the upcoming season.