Two wins and two draws in April has lifted Steve Bruce’s side nine points above the relegation zone, just as it seemed the walls were caving in.

Joe Willock has grabbed most of the headlines with three goals in three substitute appearances as calls for a permanent deal increase from supporters.

Bruce, United’s head coach, says he would love to keep the on-loan Arsenal man on Tyneside next season but admits it is up to Mikel Arteta.

And, if the figure £20million is indeed his price tag, then the Magpies could struggle to land him.

"I'd love to, it's whether Arsenal would,” said Bruce, when asked about signing Willock last week.

"We have to have conversations with Arsenal over it, Arsenal can see he has progressed with us.

"He is only young, only 21. To score his fourth goal, three of them off the bench. I was delighted for him."

Meanwhile, we’ve gathered the best of today’s Premier League speculation involving Newcastle United and the rest of their top-flight rivals below: