‘We couldn’t agree’ — Manager breaks silence over failed Newcastle United signing

Newcastle United were set to offload forgotten midfield man Isaac Hayden before Friday’s transfer deadline day but talks broke down at the last hurdle and he could now be set for another season at St James’ Park.

The intended destination was Premier League newcomers Luton Town on a season-long loan, and Hayden had travelled south to undergo his medical on Monday, ready to put pen to paper. However, the deal collapsed and Hatters boss Rob Edwards has broken his silence over the failed move.

After their Carabao Cup win over Gillingham last night, the Luton manager was asked about the situation with Hayden.

“He’s someone we had a look at, clearly, there was interest. He’s a good player but unfortunately we couldn’t quite agree a deal. We can have a look and see what else we can do in the next couple of days,” he said.

Hayden had been given the green light to join Newcastle’s Premier League opponents, having fallen drastically down the pecking order under Eddie Howe. The 28-year-old has not featured for Newcastle since December 2021 and he spent last season out on loan with Norwich City. There was an obligation to buy clause in his terms if the Canaries achieved promotion from the Championship, but they failed to reach the play-offs.

Hayden has been with the Magpies since 2016, when he was signed under Rafa Benitez, and he has made 171 appearances for the club since his arrival. However, his future is a grey area and he has not had a place in this Newcastle side for a while now. He has even been training with the U21s, away from Howe’s senior side in order for the manager to “control the numbers that I was working with and maintain the focus of the players that were going to be part of our season.”