Newcastle United 'plotting double swoop for Arsenal's Willock, Maitland-Niles'

Newcastle United could reportedly look to complete a double swoop for Arsenal pair Joe Willock and Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

Willock thrived under the tutelage of Steve Bruce with eight goals from 14 Premier League outings on loan last term, and the Magpies are keen to welcome the Englishman back to St James' Park.

Maitland-Niles, meanwhile, is back at Arsenal following a loan spell with West Bromwich Albion, but the versatile 23-year-old's game time is set to be limited following the arrivals of Nuno Tavares and Albert Sambi Lokonga.

With Newcastle's pursuit of Nice-bound Mario Lemina failing to bear fruit, the Daily Mail claims that Bruce is now preparing to turn his attention to Maitland-Niles while pressing ahead for a deal for Willock.

Maitland-Niles has previously affirmed that he is ready to leave Arsenal should he not receive assurances over his game time, while Emile Smith Rowe's recent contract extension could potentially see Willock also seek pastures new in search of regular first-team action.

However, Southampton, Burnley and Watford are all rumoured to be monitoring developments surrounding Maitland-Niles's future.