Championship duo Aston Villa and Stoke City both reportedly want to sign Isaac Hayden from Premier League outfit Newcastle United.
With Isaac Hayden stuck in limbo at Newcastle United, it is no surprise that Steve Bruce is keen to offer him an escape route.
The 23-year-old midfielder worked with Bruce during the 2015/16 season after joining Hull City on loan from Premier League giants Arsenal. And despite having never played a league game in his life before moving to the KCOM Stadium, Hayden made a fine impression as Hull earned promotion to the Premier League.
According to The Mirror (live blog, 5.14am) Bruce’s Aston Villa would love to sign Hayden on loan before the end of this month. And Bruce’s comments from back in January 2016 suggest that this is probably not a surprise.
“I’ve already been on to Arsenal because I’d love to make it permanent if I could,” Bruce said in 2016, as reported by Sky Sports.
“I’d make it permanent tomorrow if that was possible. I desperately want to hang on to him. In an ideal world he’d want to be playing every week but he’s started last weekend and again.
“He’s a very good young player, who’s progressing all the time.”
Aston Villa are reportedly facing competition from Championship rivals Stoke City for Hayden, who handed in a transfer request earlier in the summer only for his exit to be blocked by Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez.
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