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Aston Villa’s reported interest in Newcastle star is proof duo are in the firing line

Isaac Hayden
Isaac Hayden of Newcastle United (14) arrives for the FA Cup Third Round match between Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers at St. James Park on...
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Villa are said to be tracking Toon midfielder Isaac Hayden.

12th January 2019, Stamford Bridge, London, England; EPL Premier League football, Chelsea versus Newcastle United; Isaac Hayden of Newcastle United is under pressure from Willian of Chelsea

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in signing Newcastle United midfielder Isaac Hayden this month with the player still keen to leave Tyneside – and that could prove two Villa players are set to leave.

According to The Mirror, Villa want to sign 23-year-old Hayden in a bid to bolster their midfield options as Dean Smith looks to push his side towards the top half of the Championship.

But Villa’s interest in the former Arsenal academy prospect proves that the Midlands side could be planning for life without both Glenn Whelan and Mile Jedinak.

Both veteran midfielders are out of contract at the end of the season, and the likelihood of either getting a renewal is unlikely. Indeed, Jedinak has only played nine times, while Whelan has hardly wowed fans.

Even without the signing of Hayden or indeed another midfielder, Whelan and Jedinak are likely to leave the club at the end of the season. But signing Hayden makes it almost definite that they will leave.

Glenn Whelan of Aston Villa during the Sky Bet Championship match between Aston Villa and Leeds United at Villa Park on December 23, 2018 in Birmingham, England.

Hayden is more than a decade younger than both Villa midfielders, but crucially also offers competition at not only central midfield but also at centre-back – which is a problem area for Villa.

Signing Hayden is a sign that Villa are set to offload Whelan and Jedinak, rather than keep the two midfielders at the end of the season. The Chronicle claimed in the summer that he would cost around £10million.

Mile Jedinak of Aston Villa during a training session at the club's training ground at Bodymoor Heath on November 06, 2018 in Birmingham, England.