Mike Ashley ‘set to give £50m transfer war chest to Steve Bruce’… with loan sensation Joe Willock and Liverpool surprise story Nat Phillips in the Newcastle manager’s thinking
- Joe Willock was transformed into a goalscorer during his loan spell on Tyneside
- A bid of around £30million could tempt Mikel Arteta to sell the 21-year-old
- Nat Phillips stepped up following big injuries to Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk
- The 24-year-old helped Liverpool into the top four and could cost £10million
Mike Ashley will reportedly give Steve Bruce £50million this summer, with moves for Joe Willock and Liverpool centre back Nat Phillips being weighed up.
Willock joined the Magpies on a temporary deal from Arsenal in January and carved out a reputation as a brilliant supersub as he scored in seven consecutive games at the end of the season to play a huge part in hauling Newcastle away from the relegation zone.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has previously said that Willock is not for sale, but The Sun is reporting that the north London outfit could let the 21-year-old leave for £30m.
Steve Bruce is reportedly set to be granted a £50million transfer war chest by Mike Ashley
Joe Willock’s astonishing goalscoring streak helped haul Newcastle out of a relegation scrap
Mikel Arteta has said that the 21-year-old is not for sale – but a £30m could see Willock leave
Nat Phillips could leave Liverpool for around £10m after an impressive season with the Reds
Phillips, meanwhile, stepped up in Liverpool’s hour of need alongside Rhys Williams after serious early-season knee injuries ended the campaigns of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, while Joel Matip and Fabinho were also out for long spells.
The former Stuttgart defender appeared 17 times in the Premier League and helped keep seven clean sheets as the Reds secured Champions League football and he managed to score in the last away match of the season at Burnley.
Steve Bruce is reportedly set to bid for Phillips and may require £10m to get his man. However, the Clarets are also interested in a move for the 24-year-old.
Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo will leave Craven Cottage if his £10m release clause is met
Brest left back Romain Perraud is being looked at by Newcastle, Southampton and Leeds
The Toon also have other targets on their radar, with Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo available for £10m due to a release clause in his contract.
The north-east club are also one of a number of clubs interested in Brest left back Romain Perraud.
