West Ham are keen on signing Newcastle United midfielder Isaac Hayden, according to reputable source Claret & Hugh.
The 24-year-old has enjoyed a fine season on Tyneside after forcing his way back into the side following a long period out of Rafa Benitez’s plans, but has made no secret of his desire to move further south to be near his family.
The £22,000-a-week ace [Spotrac] would cost somewhere in the region of £15 million.
Good move for West Ham?
Absolutely. Hayden has been a revelation for Newcastle this year, and looks to finally be realising the potential that he showed as a youngster with Arsenal. It looks as if West Ham have fallen off the pace a little in the race to snap up Andre Gomes from Barcelona, and while Hayden may not be as eye-catching an acquisition, he would certainly be a prudent alternative. He is good on the ball and tough in the tackle, and could be the ideal man to act as a long term replacement for Mark Noble in the centre of the park.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
Hayden wants to leave Newcastle to be nearer to his family, and provided the Hammers offer a decent enough fee, it’s hard to see the Magpies standing in his way. £15 million, give or take, should be enough, and bearing in mind that the Irons were keen on spending a similar amount of money on Andre Gomes, producing that kind of cash shouldn’t be an issue. All the pieces fit together nicely, and while this is still very much in its infancy, this is a deal that would make a lot of sense.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10