Newcastle United midfielder Isaac Hayden has confirmed that he is in ongoing talks with the club over his uncertain future on Tyneside.
The former Arsenal man has previously confirmed that he was looking for a departure from St James’ Park due to personal reasons but he has remained as a mainstay under manager Rafael Benitez in the Magpies’ starting XI, acting as one of the club’s top performers.
Speaking about what might happen over the summer, Hayden revealed that uncertainty remained but that discussions were taking place regularly and he was happy with how things were progressing.
He told the Chronicle: “We will see what happens in the summer but I have had plenty of talks with the clubs in the last couple of weeks.
“The signs have been very positive. I’ll see what happens. I think it’s a big situation for everyone.
“I don’t think the club will do anything without the manager’s say so. Especially if he stays. He has been very receptive and honest with me and I can’t thank him enough for the season I’ve had. He has been understanding of the situation.”
Opinion
Newcastle will be loathed to lose Hayden after his impressive performances in the middle of the park but sometimes there are things more important than football – even if it does not seem the case for many at St James’ Park. He has been as professional as possible during the last couple of months and the manner in which he has dedicated himself to performing to the best of his abilities has been nothing short of admirable. It sounds as though he is not entirely certain he will be on his way this summer, especially if manager Rafael Benitez has his say and that would be great news for the club. They would obviously want to help Hayden in any way possible to make his off field life easier and so that might well be what these talks are about. Either way, there is looking like some hope Newcastle will keep Hayden on board for next season – and he would be a crucial member of the squad if he did stay.