NEWCASTLE UNITED’S move to bring Joe Willock back permanently from Arsenal has ‘slowed’ over recent days.
The midfielder looked to be heading to St James’ Park to rejoin Newcastle in a £22million deal following a successful loan spell last season.
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The 21-year-old scored eight goals in 14 games following his arrival in January.
And he has been linked with a return ever since arriving back in North London.
Willock was initially tipped to join in another loan deal, but the clubs are now believed to have agreed a permanent transfer of £22m.
That is due to the Gunners looking to free up some funds to add to the £75million spent so far this summer on Ben White, Nuno Tavares and Albert Sambi Lokonga.
However, Sky Sports News’ Pete Graves claims Newcastle and Willock are some distance apart with regards to agreeing personal terms.
And that means the move may go all the way until the end of the summer window as Toon fans wait nervously to see whether last term’s hero returns.
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The Magpies are hoping to sign Willock in time for their season-opener at the weekend.
Newcastle kick-off their Premier League campaign at home to West Ham on Sunday.
But Steve Bruce’s hopes of finalising the transfer appear to have hit a snag as he sits anxiously for the financials to be sorted.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk