Newcastle transfer news: Neymar ‘looked at’ jokes Steve Bruce as he offers transfer update

Transfer update: Latest on Pogba, Neymar and Sanches

Newcastle boss Steve Bruce has joked that Neymar was being “looked at” by transfer officials this month in response to speculation over a bid for Idrissa Gueye. Reports emerged over the weekend that Newcastle had made an approach to sign Gueye on loan from Paris Saint-Germain.

The midfielder has fallen down the pecking order under Mauricio Pochettino with PSG said to be willing to offload him before the January transfer window closes.

Newcastle had emerged as surprise contenders with reports suggesting an agreement had been made between both clubs.

Gueye though is said to have turned down a move to St James’ Park with Newcastle currently sitting 15th in the table.

Bruce was directly asked about the rumours regarding a bid to sign Gueye on loan until the end of the season.

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And the Newcastle boss joked that Neymar was in fact the PSG star who Newcastle were most interest in signing.

“No, Neymar was the one we were looking at, but that didn’t quite happen,” he said with a smile.

A central midfielder remains a top priority for Newcastle though in the final few hours of the transfer window.

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And reports suggest an agreement is close to sign Joe Willock on loan from Arsenal until the end of the season.

The Gunners are prepared to let the 21-year-old leave as he’s struggled for regular minutes in recent months.

Martin Odegaard’s arrival from Real Madrid has also pushed Willock further down the pecking order.

But Arsenal certainly don’t want to lose Willock on a permanent basis as they see him as a part of the club’s future.

Arteta has tried to use the young midfielder in a No 10 role this campaign and the Arsenal boss hopes he can make the position his own in the long run.

“I think so. I think he’s perfect to play in that role,” he said last year.

“I think he’s got incredible physical attributes but as well he’s a very intelligent boy.

“He learns really quickly, he’s very willing, I think he’s developing really really well and I’m very pleased with him.”

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