Newcastle and Beşiktaş remain apart as Joe Willock transfer talks continue

Joe Willock remains a leading transfer target for Beşiktaş, but Newcastle United's valuation of the midfielder is continuing to delay negotiations between the two clubs.

The Turkish giants are keen to sign the 26-year-old before the transfer window closes, although a significant gap remains between their offer and Newcastle's asking price.

According to Sabah, Beşiktaş are prepared to pay between €12 million and €13 million for the former Arsenal midfielder.

However, Newcastle are reportedly demanding around €23 million, leaving negotiations some distance apart.

Beşiktaş are unwilling to meet that valuation and are instead hoping the Magpies lower their demands to around €15 million, where they believe an agreement could become achievable.

With just one year remaining on Willock's contract at St James' Park, Newcastle face an important decision over whether to cash in this summer or risk losing the midfielder for a reduced fee in the future.

Willock's future has become increasingly uncertain as Newcastle continue to reshape their midfield.

Following the departures of Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes, the Magpies have already strengthened the position with the arrivals of Aladji Bamba from Monaco and Sean Steur from Ajax.

Newcastle have also been linked with a move for Marseille midfielder Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, while Joelinton and Lewis Miley remain important options in Mathias Jaissle's squad.

With competition for places growing, Willock could find regular playing time more difficult to secure during the upcoming campaign.

Interest from the Turkish club is not new.

Reports last month revealed that Willock's representatives travelled to Istanbul for discussions, with the midfielder understood to be open to a move to the Super Lig.

Negotiations are now focused on finding a compromise over Newcastle's valuation, although neither club appears willing to shift significantly from their current position.

Talks between Newcastle and Beşiktaş are expected to continue as both clubs attempt to bridge the gap in valuation before the transfer window closes. With Willock entering the final year of his contract, Newcastle must soon decide whether to compromise on their asking price or retain the midfielder for the remainder of the season.