Newcastle United: Liam Kennedy discusses developments on Saliba and Willock

© Provided by This is Futbol St James’ Park

Liam Kennedy has been speaking on the latest edition of #NUFC Matters about Newcastle United’s potential transfer business after William Saliba was linked with a move to St James’ Park.

The Toon are apparently looking at the Frenchman as a replacement for Kristoffer Ajer, with the club’s move for the Celtic defender looking unlikely.

However, the Shields Gazette reporter claims that if the Toon were to sign Saliba, they might struggle to sign Joe Willock.

He said: (6:13) “[There are] lots of interesting developments. Ajer isn’t the only defender that Newcastle United are looking at; there are others. There was one mentioned this week, which was Saliba, who’s also at Arsenal.

“I think they might have to wait; I think if you sign Saliba, then you’re probably going to say that Joe Willock isn’t coming to Newcastle United or isn’t going to be made available by Arsenal because you can only sign one player on loan.

“Although you could get Joe Willock if you put money up, I do think it’s going to be difficult for Newcastle United to stretch their budget to a point where they can pay the figure that Arsenal want for a player of that ability.”

TIF Thoughts on Saliba and Willock…

While Willock was on Tyneside, there was talk of the Toon preparing a bid of £20m for the 21-year-old, so if that happens and they get him, then a move for Saliba on loan would be possible.

The 20-year-old was signed by the Gunners in 2019 but he has not played a single senior game for Arsenal since then, so though he is talented, you have to wonder if he would be the best signing for Newcastle.

Newcastle have a limited budget this summer, so you would think they are going to face difficult decisions, but Willock had a stellar time on Tyneside, and we think they should make signing him a priority.

In other news: ‘So now Mike Ashley has to’ – Journalist shares Ashley takeover ‘gamble’ at Newcastle

Source