Preston North End are reportedly in talks to sign Newcastle United midfielder Isaac Hayden after his loan spell at Standard Liege came to an end.
We were not anticipating a busy January for PNE with a limited budget at the club’s disposal this month.
North End spent more than many anticipated over the summer and that has left supporters expecting a quiet transfer window.
Calvin Ramsay’s return to Liverpool on Monday may change things a little though, potentially freeing up some cash for another signing.
Fans would like to see another wing back or a centre back arrive, but PNE are now reportedly going for a midfielder in Isaac Hayden…
Isaac Hayden to Preston North End rumours ramp up
Reports earlier this month indicated that PNE had registered an interest in signing Newcastle United’s Hayden.
Hayden then had his loan spell at Belgian side Standard Liege ended last week, paving the way for another move to materialise this month.
The Telegraph now claim that Hayden is in talks to join PNE in what would likely be another loan move.
Hayden is under contract at Newcastle until the summer of 2026, meaning a permanent deal could be a little tricky for North End to pull off.
A loan until the end of the season may now be in the pipeline with Hayden potentially set to reunite with former Newcastle teammate Freddie Woodman at Deepdale.
Isaac Hayden transfer rumour analysis
An experienced holding midfield player would be a nice addition, but we have to question if this is really what North End need.
PNE lack athleticism in the centre back position and Ramsay’s exit means Brad Potts is the only recognised right wing back at the club.
Another midfielder doesn’t seem like a priority with Ali McCann, Ryan Ledson and Ben Whiteman all in the mix but maybe Hayden is seen as a combative and experienced option to add more bite and control to North End’s midfield ranks.
The 28-year-old – who cost £2.5million from Arsenal in 2016 – has played more than 150 league games for Newcastle and spent last season with Norwich City in the Championship.
That leads us to another concern though, as Hayden missed large chunks of the season with knee problems and only made 14 league appearances for the Canaries.
A loan move to Standard Liege started well but he managed just 71 minutes of action in the last two months, missing three games through injury.
Hayden’s recent injury record isn’t ideal and seeing PNE spend a limited budget on signing a midfielder with injury question marks is certainly a surprise.
If PNE get the best Isaac Hayden, then we can certainly understand the thinking; he can protect the back line at a higher level than North End’s other defensive midfield options and offers some Premier League know-how.
The last few years have been tricky for Hayden but he still has enough in the tank at 28 and could add a wise head in midfield – if he can avoid injuries.