Isaac Hayden has asked to leave Newcastle after handing in a transfer request.

Newcastle midfielder Hayden, 23, has spoken face-to-face with Rafa Benitez and stressed his decision is purely for exceptional family reasons.

Hayden has made it clear how much he likes St James’s Park, the club’s fans and has the utmost respect for Newcastle boss Benitez.

But ex-Arsenal trainee Hayden, who was born in Chelmsford, is looking to move further south after putting in the request on Friday.

The club is aware of the issue and Hayden is hoping that he is able to move during this transfer window.

(Image: Getty Images)

Hayden established himself last season as a mainstay in Newcastle’s Premier League starting line-up, having helped them to win promotion and the Championship in 2017.

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Ex-England under-21 star Hayden has three years left on the deal he signed at Newcastle in 2016 having made huge strides as a holding midfielder under Benitez.