Rafa calls the Toon over Hayden future
WEST Brom are keen on signing wantaway midfielder Isaac Hayden, but Newcastle United are showing no interest in selling.
Albion boss Darren Moore wants some young blood in midfield where a number of his players are either over 30 or fast approaching.
And he has identified Hayden, who is keen on a move that would take him closer to his family in south Wales.
But Toon boss Rafa Benitez is reluctant to let the former Arsenal trainee leave with Ki Sung-Yueng at the Asian Cup and Mo Diame struggling with a hip problem.
“He’s training well, he’s working hard, and he’s a good professional,” said Benitez.
“He’s fine and playing well. I know what he thinks because I was talking with him during the summer and now.
“We will try to do the best for the team and the best for everyone.”
Hayden has started the Magpies’ last three matches having been a spectator for much of the campaign. Yet the 23-year-old, who has played through the England age groups, is unhappy on Tyneside, more for personal reasons.
“It’s not a football decision for me, it’s purely for family reasons and my daughter will always come first for me, above any football,” he said.
“What’s best for her is my priority. I’ve just tried to be as professional as I can be.
“Since the summer, I’ve tried to do my job as well as I can. The club have known the situation from day one, and it’s not going to change.”