Aston Villa signing this 23-year-old Premier League star would provide Hourihane and McGinn with greater freedom to attack

Why Aston Villa should sign Isaac Hayden in January

According to a report from the Chronicle, Newcastle United could finally allow Isaac Hayden to leave the club in January – only if a new midfielder comes in.

Isaac Hayden, 23, has started just one Premier League game this season and has made a further three substitute appearances, all since submitting a transfer request in summer. But Newcastle were reluctant to let him go and he was forced to stay put at the club.

Now that Newcastle could be ready to part ways with Hayden next month, Aston Villa should definitely make a move for the midfielder.

Aston Villa are loving life in the Championship after Dean Smith took over the reins of the club, replacing the much-maligned Steve Bruce last month. Under Smith, Villa have enjoyed an upturn in results and heading into the busy festive period, the Midlands club find themselves 8th in the table.

However, a lot of work is to be done before Villa become realistic promotion challengers. Dean Smith has inherited a good squad but there are certain areas he needs to strengthen to give Villa a much-needed push for the second half of the season.

One of the areas has to be the midfield as Mile Jedinak and Glenn Whelan are both 34 and don’t have the legs to essay their roles in the high-intensity style of play Smith has employed at Villa Park. Furthermore, both players will be out of contract at the end of the season, leaving Villa in need of a holding midfielder who can protect the back four with ease and provide a platform for the attackers to play with freedom.

To that end, Hayden would be a good choice for Aston Villa. Hayden’s development at Tyneside has stalled somewhat but at 23, he has time to resurrect his career. A move to Villa would provide him with a chance to play regularly and at this point in time, dropping a division down won’t be a bad idea for the former Arsenal youngster.

Hayden can dictate the tempo of the game from the base of Villa’s midfield, thereby providing Conor Hourihane and John McGinn the freedom they need to create things in the final third. Hayden, who is strong in the air and powerful in the tackle, would bring stability to Smith’s midfield whilst also adding experience to the squad.

Read more: Aston Villa holding onto this wantaway star should be an absolute no-brainer for Dean Smith – Opinion

Having helped Newcastle earn promotion to the Premier League a couple of seasons ago, Hayden knows what it takes to compete in the Championship. Hence, the 23-year-old would be an excellent addition for Villa and his acquisition will certainly improve the club’s promotion chances significantly.