Arsenal's Joe Willock drops hint over his future at Newcastle United

Joe Willock's celebrates his goal against Southampton with Allan Saint-Maximin.

The midfielder joined the relegation-threatened club on loan from Arsenal in January’s transfer window.

Willock quickly settled into the team – he scored on his debut against Southampton at St James’s Park last month – and the 21-year-old says he’s open to a longer stay at the club, which is 17th in the Premier League ahead of Saturday’s game against Brighton and Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium.

“I love playing for Newcastle,” said Willock. “When I first came here, I was a bit apprehensive of how I would take to it, because I’d never left Arsenal.

“I’d been at Arsenal since I was four and a half, so coming to a new club, coming up north to Newcastle, was a bit scary. But as I came here and settled in, and saw the love from the fans that I’m receiving, of course I’d love to continue playing here.”

Any move for Willock, however, will dependent on the Newcastle’s status.

The club is just two points above the relegation zone after a run of two wins from 17 league games. Brighton are a place – and a point – above Steve Bruce’s side.

Meanwhile, Newcastle’s home game against Tottenham Hotspur has been moved to Sunday, April 4 so it can screened live by Sky Sports (2.05pm kick-off).

United’s fixture against Burnley at Turf Moor has been switched to Sunday, April 11 (12noon), also so it can be broadcast live by Sky.