Here is your 4am Newcastle United digest.
Ross Barkley, Phil Jones, and the transfer targets Newcastle are tipped to sign
Newcastle United could be about to make their first transfer breakthrough of the summer with a deal for number one target Joe Willock.
The Magpies are understood to have agreed a fee with Arsenal, with Steve Bruce hopeful the former loanee will have rejoined in time for the season opener against West Ham United.
The head coach has repeatedly stressed the club are operating on a limited budget in this window, but that has not stopped talk of moves to strengthen in defence and midfield.
Kristoffer Ajer and Axel Tuanzebe were among the centre-backs linked before completing moves to Brentford and Aston Villa respectively, while the departures of Andy Carroll and Yoshinori Muto has raised the question of whether a new striker is also required.
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Newcastle United youngster Kell Watts joins Wigan Athletic on season-long loan
Newcastle United youngster Kelland Watts has joined League One side Wigan Athletic on a season-long loan.
The 21-year-old has been in and around the Magpies First Team during pre-season with his most recent appearance coming in last weekend's 3-0 win over Norwich City.
The defender has joined Leam Richardson's for the remainder of the campaign and will wear the number two shirt for the Latics.
Watts is no stranger to League One having spent last season on loan at Plymouth Argyle.
The youngster made 50 appearances for the Pilgrims and scored three times during his tenure at Home Park.
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Newcastle's crucial next step in Joe Willock transfer and Arsenal may finally get what they want
Newcastle United hope to agree personal terms with Joe Willock after the Magpies struck a deal with Arsenal to sign the midfielder on a permanent basis.
The 21-year-old, who enjoyed a remarkable loan spell at St James' Park last season, has been Steve Bruce's top target this summer.
Bruce has had to be patient - the black-and-whites are the only Premier League side who have yet to make a signing in the window - but there was finally a breakthrough in talks between the two clubs over the weekend.
Encouragingly, rather this being another loan deal, Newcastle have stumped up the cash to try and sign Willock on a permanent basis, which sends an important message to both the supporters and the squad as a whole. A permanent deal would also suit Arsenal with boss Mikel Arteta struggling to raise funds for his aggressive recruitment drive.
A fee has been agreed, worth in excess of £20m, but ChronicleLive understands there is still work to do when it comes to finalising personal terms with Willock, who will also need to pass a medical.
You can read more here.
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