Newcastle could be about to sell a midfield outcast.
Dean Smith has inherited a very strong Aston Villa squad and it has shown in the results picked up under his guidance. The club have won four of his seven matches in charge, as well as drawing once against Nottingham Forest 5-5.
But in the January transfer window, the former Brentford boss will have the chance to stamp his mark on the squad by bringing in some new players. Ideally, a new goalkeeper, centre-back and a holding midfielder.
One player Smith should look to bring to Villa Park is Newcastle central midfielder Isaac Hayden, who can offer cover both in holding midfield and at centre-back. The Chronicle claim that he can leave Tyneside in January.
The Chronicle also reported back in the summer that Brighton were keen to land the former Arsenal youth player, as he wanted a move south. The Premier League side were willing to pay £10million.
The Mirror claimed in August that Aston Villa were also interested in the 23-year-old star, along with Stoke City. But a move away from St. James’ Park never materialised for the ex-Hull City ace.
Hayden has plenty of experience in the Championship and would be an excellent acquisition for a Villa side in need of a player who still has the legs to dictate the tempo of a midfield.
John McGinn and Conor Hourihane are both known to get forward, but do not anchor the midfield properly. Glenn Whelan has lost a yard of pace, as has Mile Jedinak. Both players are out of contract at the end of the season.
Adding Hayden into the mix – who can also do a job at centre-back – would be an excellent January addition for Smith, not least because he already has two Championship promotions under his belt with Hull City and Newcastle.
Landing Hayden could be the key top returning to the Premier League at the third attempt.
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