Newcastle will have to haggle with Arsenal to keep Joe Willock next season.
The midfield star’s loan deal with the Toon does not include an agreed price for the move to be made permanent, or a first option to buy.
That leaves Newcastle vulnerable to Willock’s goal-scoring form hiking his £20m ratings, or earning a fresh chance with the Gunners.
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Willock will miss Newcastle’s clash with his parent club on Sunday, as Mikel Arteta visits St James’ Park and gets the chance hear of the former England U21 man’s progress on Tyneside.
Willock wants to be a regular starter under Steve Bruce, but has had to be content with making a huge impact off the bench in recent weeks, and he’s scored four crucial goals since he arrived in January.