ISAAC HAYDEN has returned to Newcastle United, but despite the club’s recurrent injury problems, Eddie Howe intends to loan him out again.
Hayden spent the first half of the season on loan at Standard Liege in Belgium, but while the Pro League team wanted to keep the 28-year-old for the rest of the season, Newcastle chose to use an automatic recall option in his contract.
Newcastle’s dearth of midfield options was highlighted again at the weekend, when Howe revealed he was unable to make changes in the Magpies’ 3-2 loss to Manchester City, and Hayden might provide backup in the coming weeks.
Joe Willock, Joelinton, and Elliot Anderson are all anticipated to be out until at least next month, while Sandro Tonali will be out until the start of next season due to suspension. Given that Bruno Guimaraes received his ninth booking of the season on Saturday, there is a good likelihood he will be suspended for two games shortly as well.
However, having virtually ended Hayden’s Newcastle career at the start of last season, Howe has stated that he does not intend to keep the former Arsenal midfielder in his first-team squad. Instead, he will play in the Championship, with Newcastle officials set to press for a permanent deal in the summer as part of any agreement.
“I think Isaac will go back on loan, possibly somewhere else,” Howe said. “Although I’m slightly unsure (if there is a deal already lined up).”
Hayden has been connected with a number of potential destinations this month, with new Birmingham City manager Tony Mowbray said to be interested in taking him to St Andrew’s.
Sheffield Wednesday, who were interested in signing Hayden last summer, are still interested, as are Blackburn Rovers and Plymouth Argyle.
Hayden spent last season on loan at Norwich City, but due to a string of injuries, he did not trigger the performance-related stipulations that would have resulted in a permanent move to Carrow Road.
