Hayden linked with Stoke and Villa as he eyes exit

Newcastle United midfielder Isaac Hayden is attracting interest from Championship duo Stoke and Aston Villa.

According to the Mirror, both clubs are keeping tabs on the midfielder after a permanent move away from St James’ Park was blocked earlier in the summer.

Hayden, who played a key role in their promotion from the second tier, has fallen out of favour at Newcastle and submitted a transfer request at the end of the season.

Previous reports have suggested that the former Arsenal youngster was told he would be free to leave providing a replacement was signed.

The report claims that the player wants to move further south in order to be closer to his family.

Hayden is now being tipped to leave on loan, with Championship sides having until the end of the month to make moves in the loan market.

Staying at the club is not believed to be out of the question, with the player very much enjoying his time at the club after making the move from Arsenal.