Rafa Benitez addresses the Newcastle futures of Isaac Hayden and Matt Ritchie

Rafa Benitez says he expects Isaac Hayden AND Matt Ritchie to stay at Newcastle United.
Matt Ritchie. (Pic: Stephen Dobson)Matt Ritchie. (Pic: Stephen Dobson)
Matt Ritchie. (Pic: Stephen Dobson)

Midfielder Hayden has asked for a transfer for "family reasons" and is wanted by Brighton and Hove Albion, while winger Ritchie is a target for Stoke City.

United manager Benitez, however, is confident that the pair will stay at the club.

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Asked about Ritchie, Benitez said: "We are in the same position as we were last year. We are happy with him and we don't want to sell him.

"To do a movement, there would be too many things that would have to happen. I was talking with him this morning, and I don't see any change in the situation."

Benitez is hopeful that the club can "help" Hayden, who wants to move south.

"I don't think that we will lose him," said Benitez. "We will try our best to help him with his situation.

"We need players like him. He's an English player and we have a lot of trust in him. He can have a great future, and we will try to help him."