Steve Bruce reveals conversation with Isaac Hayden over his Newcastle United future

Hayden asked to leave for family reasons last summer – and again ahead of January’s transfer window – but then-manager Rafa Benitez told the midfielder that he had to stay at St James’s Park.

And the 24-year-old hinted at a change in his position while in China last week for the Premier League Asia Trophy.

Head coach Bruce – who signed Hayden on loan from Arsenal while manager of Hull City – spoke to Hayden about his situation after taking charge last week.

“I’ve had a really positive conversation with Isaac,” sad Bruce. “That goes for a team that’s been together for a few years now. They’re a really good group, honest. It must have been a really difficult summer for them. They want to prove themselves.”