Steve Bruce issues Joe Willock transfer update at Newcastle United amid Arsenal talks

Willock is the club’s No.1 summer target following his successful half-season loan last season, but the club is yet to reach an agreement with Arsenal, who are looking to sell the 21-year-old midfielder.

And the club, which beat Norwich City 3-0 at St James’s Park this afternoon thanks to two goals from Dwight Gayle and a strike from Matt Ritchie, has also been looking at other options ahead of the new Premier League season, which kicks off next weekend with a home game against West Ham United.

“Look, I’d love to make a signing before West Ham,” said head coach Bruce. “We’re pursing our No.1 target (Willock). We’re trying as best we can. Let’s hope we can make a breakthrough. If we can, great. And if that’s before this week, we’re trying our best.”

Newcastle must reach an agreement with Arsenal and Willock, who is also a target for Monaco.

“We’re in dialogue with Arsenal, but we have to respect he’s their player,” said Bruce. “Until we can reach an agreement with Arsenal, and what they want, the rest is immaterial.”

Asked if if was hopeful of a breakthrough ahead of the West Ham game, Bruce told BBC Radio Newcastle: “I really, really hope so. We’re still hopeful we can get our main target – I’ll try my utmost to make it happen.”

Willock scored eight goals for Newcastle last season following his move in the January transfer window.