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Newcastle United’s want-away midfielder Isaac Hayden is wanted by Brighton & Hove Albion after handing in a transfer request.

The former Arsenal man wants to move closer to his partner and young daughter who are based in the South West with his agent Simon Kennedy currently in discussions with managing director Lee Charnley to pave the way for his exit.

Kennedy cited ‘exceptional family reasons’ for Hayden’s exit.

(Image: Getty Images Europe)

Rafa Benitez does not want to sell Hayden in a football sense as he rates the England Under-21 international highly.

However, he does want to bring in a replacement if Hayden is sold.

The Magpies would make a big profit on Hayden after signing him from Arsenal for just £1m in 2016.

The Seagulls are prepared to pay a fee in the region of around £10m for his services if a deal can be agreed.

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Unlike recent departure Mikel Merino though, Hayden does not have any type of clause in his release clause and his contract expires in three years time.

Speaking about his personal situation back in February, Hayden had told NUFC TV: “Becoming a dad is a massive thing.

“It was definitely a massive ordeal with the birth and it was difficult in December.

“That month in December and January was difficult.

“It is about managing the off the field things and get on with things on the field.

“I think I did that well enough, it was a tough time because she wasn’t well when she was born.

“She was in hospital for nearly two weeks in London so it was difficult to manage the distance and the gap.

“Obviously it was worrying times when you are a dad and your daughter has just been born.”