Steve Bruce admits he'd 'love' to sign Arsenal's Joe Willock permanently

Steve Bruce has admitted he would love to sign Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock permanently this summer.

The 21-year-old has been a standout performer for Newcastle since joining on loan from Arsenal back in February, playing a key role to help them climb up the table away from relegation trouble.

Willock scored in his fourth successive match on Friday as the Magpies shocked Leicester City with a 4-2 victory on the road.

The midfielder has also grabbed goals against Southampton, Tottenham, West Ham and Liverpool for Newcastle.

Bruce, who has seen the pressure around his position relieved in recent weeks, thanks in part to Willock, said he will attempt to sign him in the summer.

'All of us would love to [make it permanent],' Bruce told talkSPORT.

'He's 21, a midfield player and he's got five goals since the turn of the year, so of course we want him – but we have to respect that he's Arsenal's player.

'I'm sure Arsenal will have big discussions this summer, but if there's a possibility that we can bring him back we'd love to do it.'

The Newcastle boss also insisted he would not sell star man Allan Saint-Maximin.

Discussing the winger's future, he added: 'I said when we signed him he was going to be someone who gets you off the edge of your seat and how often do you feel like that about an individual player?

'He has wonderful natural ability and it wouldn't surprise me if other teams are looking because his ability is there for everybody to see.

'He is a very gifted individual and young, of course. The last thing we want to be doing is selling our better players that is for sure.'