Doubt cast over Newcastle United man's future after eight-word update

A deadline day loan exit for Isaac Hayden appears to be in doubt with Eddie Howe unable to provide a clear update on the Newcastle United midfielder's future.

Hayden spent the first-half of the campaign on loan at Belgian side Standard Liege but was recalled at the start of January after making 11 appearances.

The expectation was Hayden would be immediately loaned to a Championship club with Blackburn Rovers, Sheffield Wednesday, Preston North End and Plymouth Argyle all showing interest. Howe said: "Isaac will go back on loan, possibly somewhere else."

However, a fortnight on and the 28-year-old is still at Newcastle midway through deadline day. Asked for an update on Hayden after the 3-1 win at Aston Villa on Tuesday, Howe replied: "I'm not sure what's happening with that situation."

Hayden is surplus to requirements at Newcastle, despite suggestions from some supporters that he could aid the club's current midfield crisis. With Joelinton, Elliot Anderson and Joe Willock out injured, Sean Longstaff, Lewis Miley and Bruno Guimaraes, who is one Premier League yellow card away from a two-match ban, are the only fit senior midfielders.

Rather than turn to Hayden, who has made 171 appearance for United since joining from Arsenal in 2016, Howe has handed an opportunity to Joe White after his loan spell at League Two side Crewe Alexandra, while youngster Travis Hernes, a summer signing from Shrewsbury Town, has featured in the matchday squad against Fulham and Aston Villa.

The former Arsenal midfielder last played for Newcastle in December 2021. He was left out of the Premier League squad for the second half of that season before spending the next campaign on loan at Norwich City.