Newcastle manager Steve Bruce says he would ‘love’ to sign Joe Willock on a permanent deal following the in-form midfielder’s impressive loan spell at St James’ Park.
Willock signed for Newcastle on loan from Arsenal during the January transfer window and has played a key role in the club’s second half of the season improvement, the 21-year-old scoring for the sixth consecutive league fixture in Wednesday’s 1-0 win over Sheffield United.
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The midfielder’s goal saw him become the youngest player ever to score in six successive Premier League games and his fine form has raised questions over his long-term future.
Bruce admits he would ‘love’ to retain Willock’s services beyond the end of the current campaign, but admits Newcastle must ‘respect’ that the star is an Arsenal player as they bid to secure a permanent deal.
“We have to respect that he’s Arsenal’s player. He’s only 21 but if we can we’d love to bring him here of course.” Bruce told his post-match press conference.
“He’s had a wonderful three months so let’s see if we can.
“We’ve given him a freedom and you can see a young lad enjoying his football. He’s been a great signing.”
Newcastle’s win over Sheffield United moved the Magpies up to 15th in the division, with Bruce’s side finishing their Premier League campaign with a trip to face relegated Fulham on Sunday.
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