Shearer doing all he can to convince  whiz Willock to stay

Newcastle United great Alan Shearer is doing all he can to convince Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock to sign permanently with the Toon.

Willock has been outstanding on-loan at Newcastle, though is wanted back at the Gunners.

Shearer said on Newcastle United Supporters’ Trust’s end of season talk-in : “I think the standout signing is obvious, it’s staring us in the face and we have him already.

“I jokingly said on Match of the Day the other night about playing a for a big club, but there’s a little bit of truth in it. I would love him to come and sample 52,000 at St James’ Park when it’s rocking, when it’s going well and we’re getting the right results.

“The reception one of his goals would get…I think it’s an absolute no-brainer. Newcastle have to try and break the bank and get him here. Whether we will or not, I don’t know, but I bloody well hope so.

“I’m with Ian Wright on most Saturday nights, and Ian speaks to Joe and is a little bit of a mentor to him. I keep saying to him if he ever needs or wants anything, my number is there.

“I would love him to sample 52,000 on Saturday afternoon at Newcastle when things are going well because there’s no better place in the world of football than St James’ Park when that’s happening.

“It might be out of his hands, but I really hope we try to break the bank to bring him because he’s been incredible over the last few months.”