By Will Butcher
Newcastle are close to announcing the signing of Arsenal’s versatile youngster Isaac Hayden in a £2.5million deal – and it has gone down well on Twitter with club supporters.
The Chronicle claim Hayden has agreed the terms of a five-year deal and his capture comes after the Magpies’ talks with Blackburn captain Grant Hanley were said to have stalled.
Manager Rafa Benitez has brought in the promising 21-year-old from Emirates Stadium as his fifth signing after he impressed during a loan spell last season at Hull City.
The England Under-20 international is originally a centre-back but can play as a defensive midfielder or as a right-back.
Newcastle’s fans have reacted positively on Twitter, with many declaring their satisfaction with Benitez’s work during the transfer window so far.
The Tyneside faithful also discussed Hayden’s various attributes and some touted him to become an important player during next season and in the future.
Hayden has been quite impressive over the last couple of years(AFC & loans).He's a big presence, strong tackler, versatile & composed. #NUFC
— Jagjeet Singh (@JagjeetSUberoi) July 9, 2016
https://twitter.com/Toontoonarmyarm/status/751860873384394752
I see Hayden as DM. Has height and strength and good at passing. Just the kind of player we need down the spine. Can also fill at CB. #nufc
— K H A N – Z (@angryZK) July 9, 2016
Hopefully Arsenal do not have a buyback clause in this Isaac Hayden deal. Well chuffed that we've signed him! #NUFC
— Mark Ooi (@MarkOoiZW) July 9, 2016
Isaac Hayden an astute piece of business by #NUFC. He's nowhere near the finished article, but has the potential to be a very good player.
— Kristan Heneage (@KHeneage) July 9, 2016
Isaac Hayden spent the last season on loan at Hull, played 18 games, scoring once and assisting another. Seen as a hot prospect. #NUFC
— The Magpies (@TheMagpies_) July 9, 2016
Cisse OUT.. looks like Isaac Hayden in from Arsenal , plus bid for Blackburn captain Grant Hanley . The Rafa revolution continue's .. #NUFC
— Dezy Ward (@DezyByers33) July 9, 2016
Really optimistic about #NUFC's season ahead. Sels, Gayle, Ritchie, Gamez and Hayden look like very good signings ✍????
— Brandon ✟ (@brandon_husband) July 9, 2016
Hayden is believed to have signed for a fee in the region of £2.5million, and made 24 appearances for The Tigers last season as Steve Bruce’s side were promoted back to the Premier League at the first attempt.
Benitez and the St. James’ Park faithful will be hoping that Hayden can reproduce that feat and become a fan favourite in the mean-time. According to his Wikipedia page though, Hayden is likely to already be popular amongst the fans.
Isaac Hayden decent signing. Love what someone has done with Wikipedia!!!! #NUFC pic.twitter.com/3q2aMXBmaP
— Rich Whitty (@rwhitty) July 9, 2016
In other Newcastle news, Benitez has given this 16-year-old a trial.
