Newcastle United rumours: Toon plot swoop for La Liga midfielder, Ex-Magpies confirms EPL move

Despite initial reports that the Magpies would be forced to scrimp and save this summer, it is now suggested that they could have a considerable amount of money to spend, with a transfer kitty of around £50 million being touted.

And if reports of a £50 million ‘war chest’ are true, then former Leeds striker Noel Whelan believes Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock will be Steve Bruce’s first port of call.

The Sun claimed Bruce is set to be handed that amount to spend by owner Mike Ashley, and the Toon head coach has made no secret of his desire to sign Willock permanently.

He told Football Insider: “If that’s accurate, that’s Bruce’s first phone call.

“They need fresh faces and hungry players. He’s definitely one of them. He’s shown that appetite to go out from Arsenal.

“He’s shown Arsenal what they are missing and showing Newcastle what they could have.

“He’s got energy, he can get goals, he’s always positive. But they need more than that.”

The Arsenal loanee made a massive impact during a loan spell with the Toon Army last season, scoring eight goals in 14 appearances on Tyneside.

Steve Bruce has made it clear that he would be eager to re-sign the player if the opportunity presented itself this summer, and recent reports suggest that the Mapies are increasingly confident of wrapping a deal up.

We’ve gathered the best of today’s Premier League speculation below...