Newcastle United are refusing any enquiries for Joe Willock, despite the former Arsenal midfielder’s struggles this season.

Alan Nixon reports that Newcastle United have blocked a potential transfer for Joe Willock, insisting he’s not for sale this month.

Nixon claims Newcastle’s Premier League rivals have enquired after Willock in light of reports that the club need to sell, but the response has been emphatic.

Newcastle say there’s no chance of a January move for Willock, and it looks like they plan to raise funds in other areas of the squad.

Former Arsenal academy product Willock has only made six appearances this season (three starts), thanks to a couple of serious injury setbacks.

Willock began the campaign with a hamstring injury, keeping him out until late October. But he made a relatively strong return, the highlight of which was his League Cup goal against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Two games later, Willock had been ruled out with an Achilles tendon issue, and he’s still yet to return to action.

Newcastle evidently feel that when Willock is healthy, he can add something to their side. Getting fit and staying fit is the challenge now.