Newcastle weigh up move for Arsenal defender

Rafa Benitez is looking to sign at least one defender this summer.

Hayden, a 21-year-old centre-half, is a potential target for the relegated club, which is preparing for life in English football’s second tier.

Hayden, crucially, has Championship experience from his season-long loan at Hull City last season.

And Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger could be willing to loan him out again.

Benitez must replace long-serving defender Steven Taylor this summer.

Taylor, wanted by a number of clubs at home and abroad, has turned down a new deal at St James’s Park and will leave when his contract expires at the end of the month.

There is also a question mark over the future of right-back Daryl Janmaat.

And captain Fabricio Coloccini has spoken about returning to his native Argentina since the end of the season, but he has a year left on his lucrative United deal.

Newcastle have also considered a move for Queens Park Rangers’ Steven Caulker, who is available this summer.

The 24-year-old had loan spells at Liverpool and Southampton last season, and has been linked with moves to Crystal Palace and West Bromwich.

Hayden, also said to be a target for QPR, made 18 Championship appearances for Hull, who were promoted after winning the play-off final.

Meanwhile, United defender Kevin Mbabu has been linked with a loan move to Olympique Lyonnais.

Newcastle have activated a two-year extension to the 21-year-old’s contract, which now runs until 2018.