West Ham have been linked with a move for Newcastle United holding midfielder Isaac Hayden, with the Telegraph writing that the former England U21 international is desperate to leave the Magpies.
Hayden had sought to leave St James’ Park last summer following the birth of his child, but manager Rafa Benitez blocked the Arsenal product from leaving, even though he was his fourth choice midfielder at the time.
Fellow Irons-linked midfielder Jonjo Shelvey then lost the trust of his gaffer, though, and injuries to Mo Diame and Ki Sung-Yueng opened the door for Hayden to establish himself in the Newcastle first-team again. Altogether resulting in Hayden featuring in Benitez’s last 19 Premier League starting XIs – dating back to Boxing Day.
The 24-year-old, however, is still understood to be keen on securing a move back down south to be closer to his and his partner’s families, with the Telegraph noting that Hayden is determined to ensure that Newcastle’s trip to Fulham on Sunday is his last game in Black and White.
Hayden has also warned Magpies chiefs that there are no excuses not to sell him this year, while his excellent form in 2019 has seen the former U21 star’s market value soar well beyond the £2.6million they paid Arsenal in 2016.
“Nothing has changed,” Hayden said. “It’s not what is best for me or my family to be playing here next season and to be doing the travelling I have done this season. It’s unfortunate, but the club know my stance and have known it for a year now. There are no excuses going into the summer. It’s about getting the deal right for the club and for myself.”
Despite his intent on leaving, Newcastle are expected to reject any offer for Hayden that falls below £15million, and could hold out for closer to £20m, as the 6 ft 1 anchor has averaged 4.5 tackles, 2.0 interceptions, 1.4 clearances and 1.6 blocks per ninety minutes across his 24 Premier League appearances this term.
Hayden has also scored once and assisted four, as he put together an impressive campaign that has also attracted interest from the recently crowned Championship winners Norwich, while Brighton may return to their interest which saw an offer knocked back last summer.
