Isaac Hayden may be keen to leave United over personal issues, but the midfielder clearly still has the Magpies’ best interests at heart.
In a recent interview with the Chronicle, the Chelmsford-born 24-year-old shared his fears that Newcastle will be ‘left behind’ by our fellow Premier League sides if we do not start to make progress in the transfer market.
Wolverhampton Wanderers, for example, finished the recent campaign in a position which returned a spot in next season’s Europa League, but had already set about finalising the £30million permanent transfer of Raul Jimenez from Benfica.
Eddie Howe has also been busy strengthening his AFC Bournemouth’s squad with the £13million capture of Bristol City defender Lloyd Kelly, having seen out the league season one spot behind us only on goal difference.
But like with his own situation, Hayden knows the club cannot start to make progress in a similar fashion all the while talk of a potential takeover rumbles on and Rafa Benitez’s future remains unclear.
“Other clubs are spending millions on more players and better training grounds and facilities,” he said. “It is pretty obvious that if you stand still you will be left behind.
“It [spending money] does not guarantee anything, look at Fulham. They spent £100million and got relegated.
“It doesn’t guarantee it [progress], but it’s about finding the happy medium.”
Hayden also feels that happy medium must include Benitez.
“We have a fantastic manager in Rafa Benitez,” he added. “With a bit more investment you just never know [where he could lead the club].
“We will see what happens, but we’ve had plenty of talks with clubs in the last couple of weeks and the signs have been positive.”