Preston North End are now leading the race to sign Isaac Hayden from Newcastle United in this window, according to a report from the Telegraph.
The player spent the beginning of the season on loan at Standard Liege in Belgium but has been recalled by Newcastle in the last few days. The Lilywhites are one of the clubs interested in his signature, and they are said to be ahead of the chasing pack.
Hayden featured just 11 times for Liege this season and is unlikely to have a place in the Newcastle squad should he stay for the remainder of the season. A Championship loan makes the most sense, with Hayden’s current market value of £2.5 million, according to Transfermarkt, potentially putting clubs off of a permanent move.
The former Arsenal academy player has played 118 times in the Premier League, scoring four goals and delivering six assists. He also has previous Championship experience during his spells with Hull City and Norwich City.
Preston sit 12th in the Champiomship, just two points off a play-off place at this current moment. The Chelmsford-born defensive midfielder is someone they’re looking to add some extra steel to their midfield, and that extra bit of experience from playing at the highest level.
Ryan Lowe’s side are now reported to be in talks with the Premier League club over the signing of the midfielder. It’s expected to be a loan deal, with Preston fending off the likes of Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle to his signature.
The club are now pushing for the deal, and there are hopes it will be finalised by the time they play Leeds United on Saturday. A win will see them boost their promotion chances for the second half of the season. Hayden will be fighting for a place in the side alongside 27-year-old Ben Whiteman, who has featured prominently for Lowe’s side this season in midfield.
Sheffield Wednesday were also one of the clubs looking to win the race for the midfielder, but are set to miss out on another target this window. The Owls already lost the battle with Plymouth for Darko Gyabi.
It’s now up to the former England u21 international to prove he still has a future at this level, and possibly try and win back a spot in the Magpies side ahead of next season with his performances in the coming months.
Writer’s View
Hayden is a good player with a wealth of Premier League experience that could add quality to nearly any team he walks into. A poor loan in Belgium does not determine what he’s capable of, and Preston are doing some smart business in winning the race for his signature.
The depth in the midfield goes up a level as soon as the deal is signed on the dotted line, and that may be the push the side from Deepdale needs to launch a promotion charge.
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