Sources: Joe Willock 'expected' to leave Newcastle soon

Newcastle will listen to offers for Joe Willock and expect him to leave the club this summer, Football Insider understands.

Willock, 26, is fast approaching the final year of his Magpies contract after struggling for regular game time last season.

He was linked away from Newcastle in January, but remained on Tyneside and continued to regularly sit on the bench towards the end of the campaign.

Rumours around an exit were fuelled by an on-field bust-up with captain Bruno Guimaraes in May, even though both players moved to quash rumours of further disruption.

Sources have told Football Insider that Willock is now expected to leave St James' Park in the coming months, with Premier League suitors eyeing a move.

He could be among an exodus of midfield players, as Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali are both also linked with moves away.

This summer represents the final chance for Newcastle to cash in on Willock, as he is not set to extend the six-year contract he signed upon arrival in 2021.

Willock only managed to make 10 Premier League starts throughout last term, which was his lowest total in a season without injury since joining five years ago.

There were bright moments, like a maiden Champions League goal away at PSG and a first Premier League assist for more than a year as he set up Anthony Gordon's winner at Chelsea.

Eddie Howe made it clear that he was keen to retain the 26-year-old's services in January, but is now open to letting him leave.

Willock has been unable to consistently challenge the Magpies' star midfielders in the starting eleven, and they look set to move him on in an effort to return to European qualification next season.

Despite his struggles, Willock will feel as if he still has a lot to offer in the top flight at 26-years-old.

Sources previously revealed to Football Insider that Leeds were eyeing a move for Willock, but Newcastle chose to keep him for the rest of the season.

Crystal Palace and Fulham have also been linked to his services, and a move back to the capital with a competitive top flight club may well appeal.