Steve Bruce says Newcastle United are preparing for ‘big discussions’ with Arsenal to try and keep Joe Willock this summer.

Speaking in his press conference ahead of Newcastle United’s game against Liverpool this weekend, Steve Bruce responded to questions about Arsenal loanee Joe Willock.

Willock has already won Newcastle a number of vital points with his three goals from midfield so far, and Bruce says they’re planning talks with Arsenal to try and keep him ahead of next season.

“He’s a young lad. I’d love to keep him here,” Bruce said. “Obviously, we’ll have big discussions with Arsenal but he’s the modern-day player: young, fit, athletic. He’s only 21 so he’s got a big future.

“There’s lots of conversations to be had. He has thoroughly enjoyed it. He enjoyed the adulation of scoring. He has got 3 vital goals for us. Why wouldn’t we want him? He’s as quick as anyone at the club. We have to talk to Arsenal.”

The Telegraph claim Arsenal are open to selling, with an asking price in the region of £20m.

Willock’s goals earned Newcastle a win over Southampton, a draw with Spurs, and most recently a victory over West Ham United, dragging them up to 15th in the table. Though they haven’t avoided relegation yet, they’re edging ever closer to safety.

Despite scoring in his last two appearances, Willock has actually dropped out of the Newcastle starting lineup lately. He made both of those appearances from the bench and didn’t come on at all in the game against Burnley in between.

You’d hope the 21-year-old’s goals will help get him back into the starting lineup. Otherwise, he might not be as keen as Bruce to return in the summer.