Journalist claims Newcastle have had ‘issues’ negotiating Joe Willock contract

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According to Athletic reporter Chris Waugh, Newcastle United have had some ‘issues’ agreeing a contract with Joe Willock.

The Magpies reportedly agreed a fee with Arsenal on Sunday, with the midfielder set to cost more than £20million.

However, the signing is yet to be announced, with personal terms still to be agreed.

And speaking on the Athletic’s Newcastle podcast ‘Pod On The Tyne‘, Waugh has suggested that contract negotiations haven’t exactly been straightforward.

“Subsequently, it took a little bit of time to sort of iron a few bits and bobs out with Joe Willock,” he said.

“Personal terms, told not really to do with wages – a few other issues. But it’s sounding like just before we came on air that it looks like it’s going to be sorted.”

Joe Willock contract issues shows nothing is simple at Newcastle

Despite the alleged ‘issues’, it sounds like this deal will still be completed.

That’s great news for Toon fans, who have been desperate for Willock to return. It’s also great news for the players, with the Chronicle reporting that there’s been a ‘buzz’ around the training ground since a fee was reportedly agreed.

But, as always with Newcastle United, nothing is ever simple. Negotiating with Arsenal should have been the difficult part. But we overcame that hurdle when a fee was agreed.

Now there has reportedly been an issue during contract negotiations. Fortunately it seems as though whatever the problem was has been resolved.

But Newcastle’s inability to get this deal done quickly could cost them.

It was already a race against time to get him signed in time for Sunday. But with another delay, it would be surprising even to see Willock on the bench.

But the main thing is that he signs on the dotted line. Hopefully this deal is completed as soon as possible.