Joe Willock has already made Newcastle feelings clear amid bold Besiktas transfer claim

Joe Willock has already made his feelings about Newcastle United clear after Besiktas president Serdal Adali publicly claimed he intends to sign the midfielder.

Willock came close to leaving Newcastle during the summer, with Besiktas pushing hard for his signature and United rejecting an offer worth £17million.

However, new manager Matthias Jaissle wanted the 27-year-old to stay. That decision has paid off, with Willock scoring three goals this season and thriving in a more advanced role.

Now Besiktas are threatening to return.

Adali has revealed just how advanced Besiktas’ summer pursuit became.

According to the president, Willock’s family travelled to Istanbul, looked at houses and held numerous video calls with club officials and manager Vincenzo Italiano.

“They picked out a house,” Adali said. “They had video calls with Italiano and Onder at least ten times.”

Besiktas were ultimately unable to complete the transfer, with Adali claiming Newcastle wanted £20m.

But he has already turned his attention towards January.

“We can sign him in January – in fact, I will sign him,” Adali said.

That confidence comes from Willock’s contract situation. His current Newcastle deal expires at the end of the season, potentially allowing him to agree a pre-contract with an overseas club during the winter.

Despite Besiktas’ confidence, Willock’s own recent comments suggest his Newcastle future is far from decided.

The former Arsenal midfielder says Jaissle has transformed his situation and made him feel important again.

“I feel valued,” Willock said. “The new manager has given me a new lease of life.”

Willock also described himself as “really happy” working under Jaissle and believes Newcastle are entering an exciting period.

“It's good times to be a Newcastle United player,” he added.

Those comments hardly sound like a player desperate to leave.

After five-and-a-half years on Tyneside, Willock now faces an important decision over whether his long-term future remains at St James’ Park.

Willock’s contract situation will become increasingly important as January approaches.

Besiktas clearly believe they have unfinished business and their president has now publicly committed himself to another attempt.

Newcastle, however, have one major advantage they did not necessarily possess during the summer: Willock is enjoying his football again.

Jaissle fought to keep him and has subsequently found a role that is bringing the best out of the midfielder. If Newcastle can translate that renewed importance into a new contract, Besiktas’ confidence may prove premature.