Newcastle are reportedly on the cusp of signing Arsenal youngster Isaac Hayden on a permanent basis.
21-year old Arsenal defender Isaac Hayden could be on his way out of London as Newcastle appear to be close to securing a transfer for the youngster. The Chlemsford-born central defender made his debut for Arsenal in a League Cup tie three years ago but has since been restricted to just one appearance for the club.
There were earlier reports linking him with a move to Newcastle according to Shields Gazette, as Spanish manager Rafa Benitez was on the lookout for a central defender. Veteran English defender Steven Taylor turned down a new contract with the Magpies and is set to leave the club this summer. Newcastle was interested in the Arsenal youngster and QPR defender Steven Caulker.
Sky Sports has now reported that Hayden is set to complete a move to Tyneside and has signed a five-year contract with the club that will run till 2021. Shields Gazette, the paper who broke the transfer story, has gone one step further and revealed that the defender is set to undergo a medical today to complete a move to St. James Park.
Arsenal had sent the 21-year old out on loan last year to Championship side Hull to gain first-team experience. The versatile Englishman made 18 league appearances for the Championship side in their promotion-winning campaign scoring 1 goal. If the reports are to be believed, Isaac is set to head back to the Championship; albeit, this time on a permanent transfer.
Newcastle are preparing for life in the second tier of English football after they failed to avoid relegation last season. Isaac Hayden is a versatile central defender who can also play as a full back and a defensive midfielder and the youngster also has some Championship experience under his belt.
The move would be good for young Isaac as he will be able to continue his growth with regular first-team football. If the transfer goes through, Rafa Benitez would be hoping the 21-year old is able to replace the long-serving Steven Taylor and help the Magpies earn an instant promotion back to the top flight of English football.
