Newcastle weigh up move for Arsenal defender
Arsenal's Isaac Hayden is on Newcastle United's transfer radar.
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.