Championship side Sheffield Wednesday are now interested in a double loan swoop for Newcastle United midfielders Isaac Hayden and Jeff Hendrick.
Hayden, 28, was on the verge of a move to Luton Town before a deal collapsed, whilst Hendrick attracted interest from a number of teams including Leeds United and Aberdeen.
With the transfer deadline fast approaching, securing exits for both players and removing their salaries from the wage bill is a necessary task for Newcastle, and this double swoop from Wednesday may have come at the perfect time.
Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie has now revealed that Sheffield Wednesday want both, with the pair available to leave Newcastle as they are not in Eddie Howe’s plans for the season.
“Sheffield Wednesday showing interest in signing Newcastle United midfield duo Isaac Hayden & Jeff Hendrick. Both are available & would be loan deals. Hayden’s move to Luton collapsed earlier this week,” he tweeted.
Howe’s evolving squad
Whilst Hendrick failed to make an impact at Newcastle, Hayden was an excellent option in the Championship and during the first few years back in the Premier League.
His versatility meant he could play in defence or midfield, but signing a long-term contract during the Mike Ashley era has proven to be a mistake. With three years left on his deal, Newcastle have struggled to sell him, and loan moves seem to be the way forward.
Hayden spent last season on loan at Norwich, and it is clear that he is now not cut out for a squad competing in the Champions League.
It is in Newcastle’s best interest for both players to do well at Sheffield Wednesday, in the hope that permanent deals can be sorted next summer. Whilst Hendrick has just one year left to run on his deal, having to deal with Hayden’s future every summer will be an unnecessary distraction.
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