According to the Chronicle, unsettled midfielder Isaac Hayden could be sold in January – but only if a suitable offer arrived and a new midfielder was signed to replace him.
Despite a promising start to life on Tyneside, Hayden’s form has really dipped over the past two seasons. Yes he’s struggled for game time and a recent transfer request suggests he’s not happy, but he has been noticeably poorer when he’s featured.
He clearly wanted to leave in the summer and there was talk of a £10m bid from Brighton, however it seems Benitez blocked any move until he had a replacement signed – and that never happened.
In a recent transfer piece by the Chronicle, here’s what Lee Ryder’s had to say about Hayden’s situation:
‘The future of Isaac Hayden is also unclear with the player requesting a transfer in the summer but remaining on the books as Benitez was not guaranteed a replacement.
‘If a new midfielder could be drafted in Hayden would be able to leave at the right price, but central midfield is not a priority for the Magpies.’
In all honesty, I think it’s best for all parties if we move him on and sign a replacement with the money received.
The issue would be that Ashley would pocket any cash that comes our way and fail to sign someone to take his place as our fourth choice central midfielder, but as his performance in the away draw to Cardiff proved, it’s counter productive to keep a player at the club who doesn’t want to be here.
That said, it won’t be a priority of ours with full-back cover, an attacking midfielder and a striker seeming to be far higher up Rafa’s list of priorities.
I’d take anything over £5m for him and sod a replacement – we have one – Sean Longstaff
Sharpy17(Quote)