The bold but necessary Fulham and Newcastle United swap deal involving 'brilliant' Leeds United target

Fulham have until the deadline at 7pm on Monday evening to freshen up their ranks with some additions. They also have the chance to let some players leave if needed. That would help free up space and funds to pave the way for reinforcements.

Marco Silva has been their head coach since joining back in 2021. He has since done an impressive job at Craven Cottage and has helped the Whites establish themselves in the Premier League. Prior to his move, he had spells with the likes of Hull City, Watford and Everton.

Fulham linked with Joe Willock swoop

Fulham have seen a £20million bid for Joe Willock rejected by Newcastle United, as per a report by talkSPORT. He is out of contract in June 2027 but has seen his game time dry up in the North East. His future is up in the air with the Magpies at this moment in time.

Willock, 26, has been with the Toon Army since joining them on an initial loan deal back in 2021 that was later made permanent. Prior to his move, he rose up through the academy at Arsenal. He was a regular for the Gunners at various different youth levels before scoring 11 goals in 78 games in all competitions.

The ex-England youth international has played 149 matches for Newcastle to date and has found the net on 11 occasions. However, they have a big decision to make on his situation amid attention from Fulham. He would inject more quality into the Whites’ midfield department.

Fulham could propose Harry Wilson swap deal

Harry Wilson sees his deal at Fulham expire at the end of this campaign. They risk losing him for free if they don’t sell him now. Therefore, they should consider using him as part of a swap deal to land Willock.

Wilson has been linked with the likes of Leeds United and Everton over recent times. It would be a massive blow to the Whites if he left this winter. However, there seems to be an air of inevitability that he will head out the exit door soon.

The Wales international would be ideal for Newcastle if they brought him in. He would give them more competition and depth at the top end of the pitch. In addition, he would give them something different to call upon on the flank.

Wilson has enjoyed a new lease of life under the guidance of Silva over recent times. He has established himself as one of Fulham’s most prized assets and his left foot has been causing real problems to opposition defenders. The ex-Liverpool man has nine goals this term.

Silva has recently said: "We are in the fight, we are trying to keep him. If you ask me if it's going to be easy, I say it's not going to be easy. The more he scores, many more clubs are going to be around him. This is football business. When a player goes to the end of his contract, this kind of thing is going to happen. I know he's happy in our club and how much he's enjoying the moment. It's up to the club to do the maximum to keep him."

He added: "He's been brilliant for us. He's on a great run but it's from the first day of the season. He's been able to take the responsibility on his back, to be decisive.”

The Wrexham-born man may want to test himself in new surroundings now though which is a shame for the Whites. At the age of 28, he is coming into his prime years and is maturing as a player. Newcastle would be able to offer him European football which is something that may turn his head. If they are to launch an offer for him though, they would need to see off strong competition from elsewhere.

For Fulham, they are likely to lose him on a free transfer this summer and sanctioning a swap deal this month to get Willock could feel like a necessary but bold decision.