Newcastle set to fight to keep Isaac Hayden with West Ham interest

Newcastle United are currently fighting to hang on to midfielder Isaac Hayden, as he seeks to run down his contract.

The former Arsenal youth player has been one of Newcastle's most consistent players over the last few seasons.

However, the 25-year-old has just a year left on his contract and is reportedly not keen on signing a new contract at St James' Park.

Hayden has spent most of his time in the last two years travelling between his homes in Tyneside and London, with the latter being where most of his family is based in.

Manager Steve Bruce is sympathetic to his personal circumstances, yet he knows that Hayden wishes to be based in the south, which would facilitate his life much more.

Hayden has been at Newcastle since 2016, and he almost joined Brighton two years ago, and they have remained interested in his signature, along with West Ham United and Crystal Palace.

This poses a big decision to the Magpies, leaving them to decide on whether they should cash in on him during this transfer window, or else risk losing him for free next summer.

With Newcastle securing Jeff Hendrick for four years, and Matty Longstaff signing a new two-year contract, the team is well stocked in midfield.

With funds being extremely restricted after the failed takeover and the COVID-19 pandemic, Bruce will have a tough decision to make on what might be best both for the squad and the club financially.