Southampton are in discussions to sign Newcastle United midfielder, Isaac Hayden, according to the Daily Mail’s Simon Jones. However, a deal may only be completed with Mario Lemina heading in the opposite direction.
Southampton in Discussions to Sign Isaac Hayden
Midfielder Wanted by the Saints
With interest high, Newcastle United have valued midfielder Isaac Hayden at £12 million. The 26-year-old turned out 24 times in the Premier League last season and has recently penned a new six-year deal at St. James’ Park.
According to the report, Southampton are in discussions to sign the former Arsenal man, who departed the Emirates Stadium for £2.6 million in July 2016. Since, he has turned out over 150 times for the Magpies.
However, Watford have also shown an interest in Hayden, with Newcastle manager Steve Bruce is a keen admirer of Hornets midfielder Will Hughes, who is currently in a contract dispute with the club. As a result, a potential swap deal between the two clubs could scupper any hope of a Southampton switch.
Isaac Hayden Transfer Could Hang on Mario Lemina Switch
A move from the north to the south could also depend on the situation involving Mario Lemina. The 27-year-old Gabon international clearly isn’t a part of Ralph Hassenhüttl’s plans, having spent the past two seasons on loan at Galatasaray and Fulham respectively.
Lemina is valued at £4 million but the former Juventus man only has one year remaining on his current Saints contract.
While Bruce would take Lemina as part of a deal involving Mullins’ departure, it would seem more likely that the Newcastle boss would prefer to sign Hughes ahead of next season.
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