Isaac Hayden celebrates after scoring a goal (Getty Images)
New Aston Villa manager Dean Smith inherited a relatively strong squad when he took over and since his arrival, the Villa Park side has had an upturn in results. However, heading into the busy festive period, Villa find themselves outside the promotion places.
Smith’s side needs reinforcements in January if they are to return to the Premier League. This winter transfer window, the former Brentford manager will have the chance to shape the squad to his own liking.
Bringing in quality players in key areas will be vital to keeping Villa’s promotion chances alive. Ideally, Villa need to sign a goalkeeper, a centre-back and a defensive midfielder.
Having struggled to break into the Newcastle United starting XI this season, Isaac Hayden could be tempted to move away from St James’ Park. Hayden has been limited to just four Premier League appearances with three of those coming off the substitutes bench.
According to The Chronicle, Hayden could leave Tyneside this January. The former England U21 star needs to either get minutes or risk stalling his development as a player. To that end, a move to Villa Park would provide the 23-year-old with the chance to continue his progress.
The former Arsenal academy graduate’s contract at St James’ Park runs until the summer of 2021. A temporary drop to the second division will provide Hayden with the chance to shine.
Isaac Hayden can offer quality cover both in holding midfield and at centre-back. Back in August, The Mirror reported that Villa were interested in the 23-year-old star, along with Stoke City. Hence, Villa should go back in for Hayden in January.
Isaac Hayden has plenty of experience in the Championship, having registered goals and four assists in 51 Championship appearances. Tough on the tackle and strong in the air with the ability to thread in a through ball or take a longshot, he’d be an excellent acquisition for Villa.
Dean Smith’s side needs a player who can control the game from deep in the middle of the park. Hayden can dictate the tempo of a match in the midfield. Both John McGinn and Conor Hourihane are known to burst forward to attack but do not provide a proper anchor in the midfield.
The ageing duo of Glenn Whelan and Mile Jedinak are well past their prime and have obviously lost a yard of pace. In addition, both players will be out of contract at the end of the season. This leaves Villa in need of a midfielder who can patrol the area ahead of the centre-backs.
Hayden, who can also do a job at centre-back, would be an excellent January addition for Smith. The 23-year-old would already be aware of the amount of work and pressure that comes with a promotion push. He has two Championship promotions under his belt with Hull City and Newcastle.
Thus, landing him could increase Villa’s promotion chances massively.
