Crystal Palace are preparing a January move for Newcastle United midfielder Joe Willock as Oliver Glasner looks to strengthen his squad ahead of a demanding second half of the season.
Glasner is pushing for reinforcements due to concerns about squad depth and the increasing fixture load, and Willock has emerged as a key name under consideration. His Premier League experience and ability to play multiple midfield roles have placed him high on Palace’s shortlist, though other clubs are also monitoring the situation.
Newcastle are now open to offers for the 26-year-old, having softened their stance since the summer. Willock featured in the recent 2-1 loss to Marseille but has largely been used from the bench, making only three starts among his eight appearances this term. With consistent minutes proving hard to come by under Eddie Howe, expectations are growing that he could be allowed to leave.
Palace showed interest in Willock during the last window but never made an official bid. This time, they are viewed as early front-runners, with a number of Premier League sides also keeping close watch. Willock is understood to be available for the right price, and Palace are ready to step in should Newcastle decide to cash in.
On Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, it was suggested that Newcastle would seriously consider a “decent offer” for the midfielder, who is currently down the pecking order due to injuries and competition in Howe’s squad. Palace, meanwhile, see him as an ideal addition who brings versatility and proven top-flight quality.
Glasner has made no secret of his desire for more signings. After a difficult summer window, Palace are keen to back him in January, especially with the manager pushing for greater options to improve rotation and protect key players. Recent comments from Glasner following their Europa Conference League defeat to Strasbourg reinforced his wish for attacking and midfield reinforcements.
With Willock’s future now uncertain and Palace intent on strengthening, the situation is shaping up to be one of the Eagles’ major storylines heading into the January window.