Newcastle United defensive midfielder Isaac Hayden has issued an official transfer request as he looks to force a move back down south, according to the Mirror.
The newspaper claim on their website that after holding face-to-face talks with manager Rafael Benitez, the central enforcer put in his request on Friday, with his desire to return down the country said to be for personal reasons.
The 23-year-old, who arrived at St James’ Park from Arsenal back in the summer of 2016, was a mainstay in the first team during their Championship campaign, but played second fiddle to the likes of Jonjo Shelvey and Mohamed Diame on their return to the Premier League last season.
Good move for Newcastle?
Hayden was by no means a guaranteed starter on Tyneside last season and if he is unhappy in the north east, there is no point in forcing him to stay.
The harmony that Rafa Benitez has built among the first team squad is one of the key reasons that the Magpies have been successful and any disruption to that could have catastrophic consequences.
Hayden is said to be appreciative of all the support he has been given by both his manager and the fans, and there will be no bad blood between them if and when he eventually goes.
This is Futbol rating: 9/10
Likely to happen?
While Benitez is a fantastic man manager, he has to put the football team first and the wishes of individual players second.
Still, Hayden has been nothing but a professional during his time at St James’ Park, and giving him the move he so desires is likely considering the respect that the Spanish boss has for his stars.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10