Newcastle United midfielder Isaac Hayden still wants to leave the club before the transfer window closes, but the Magpies will need to sign his replacement before any deal can happen.
Chronicle Live reports that the 23-year-old’s situation has not changed, despite playing 40 minutes in the Magpies’ friendly with Hull City earlier this week.
It is believed that although Rafa Benitez would like to keep the player, he would sanction a deal if someone was signed to replace the ex-Arsenal trainee.
Hayden, who is originally from Essex, submitted a transfer request at the end of last season, citing the need to be closer to his family as the main reason behind the action.
The midfielder moved to the North East from Arsenal in 2016, having spent the last year of his time in North London on loan at Hull City.
He still has three years of his five-year contract to run at St James’ Park, after playing a key role in their promotion campaign from the Championship.
Brighton had been linked with a move for the player, who missed Newcastle’s pre-season training camp in Ireland.
Following the Hull match, Hayden said:
The club know my stance. I spoke to them at the start of the summer. I spoke to the manager, I spoke to the club. I let them know about the situation.
I’ve done my bit for the club. I helped the club get promoted and I helped the club stay in the Premier League last season.
I just hope that they can find a solution to help me with my situation. If not, I’m a professional, so I’m going to do my job, but they know my stance. It’s not changed.
