Joe Willock has vowed to 'reach new limits' this season as Newcastle United refuse to give up on signing their number one target.
The Arsenal midfielder enjoyed a remarkable loan spell with the Magpies during the second half of last season.
Not only did Willock become the first player since Alan Shearer to score in seven consecutive Premier League games for the club; the 21-year-old also brought a new dimension to Newcastle's midfield.
READ MORE: Former Newcastle first-teamer's 'dark' struggle before retiring aged 25
Steve Bruce had targeted a box to box midfielder for the best part of 18 months and Willock possessed that X-Factor and dynamism that Newcastle were sorely lacking.
Therefore, you can see why Bruce has been so keen to bring Willock back to St James' Park for another spell at the club.
So much so, with less than a month to go until the window closes, Bruce has stopped short of imposing any deadline on the move - even if it means that the Magpies potentially miss out on alternatives.
All parties recognise this is a crucial decision for Willock, who has always dreamed of becoming a regular at Arsenal, his boyhood club, and it is easy to forget the youngster had never even lived away from home before joining Newcastle last season.
Wherever he ends up this season, Willock will be keen to build on such a strong end to the previous campaign.
Indeed, Willock effectively said as much when he congratulated his brother, Matty, on his recent move to Salford City.
"God's Plan. This year we [are] reaching new limits bro," he captioned an unveiling photograph of his sibling on Instagram.
Do you want an exclusive pre-season Newcastle United preview - both in your inbox and through your letterbox? Head over here to find out more and secure your copy
