Newcastle United midfielder pictured overseas ahead of completing unexpected switch

The 29-year-old has not featured for Newcastle United’s first-team since December 2021 but last month made a surprise appearance for the under-21s in their 2-1 victory at Halifax Town in the National League Cup.

Hayden, who has made 171 appearances following his move from Arsenal in 2016, has been frozen out by Howe. He spent the 2022-23 campaign on loan at Norwich City before temporary spells at Standard Liege and Queens Park Rangers last season.

The player, under contract at St James’ Park until 2026, had been expected to leave again in the summer but a move failed to materialise, leaving him in limbo.

However, Hayden is set to be handed a route back into football at international level by linking up with former Newcastle head coach Steve McClaren in Jamaica.

Reports this week have suggested Hayden is close to finalising a switch from England, whom he represented at under-16s level all the way through to under-21s. And the midfielder himself has seemingly confirmed it by uploading a photo from Montego Bay.

Rudolph Speid, chairman of Jamaica’s Football Federation Technical Committee, said on Thursday: “We are pursuing him but at the end of the day it’s the coach’s decision. We think he’s very close but nothing is done, until it’s done. That’s how I look at it, but again it’s very close.”

It is understood Hayden qualifies to represent Jamaica through his father.

McClaren is tasked with qualifying the nation for the 2026 World Cup in North and Central America. If finalised, Hayden will likely play alongside Premier League players such as Michail Antonio, Ethan Pinnock, Leon Bailey and Bobby De Cordova-Reid.