Steve Bruce hopeful over wantaway midfielder Isaac Hayden

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Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce is keen to see Isaac Hayden remain at St. James’ Park.

The star has wanted away from the club since last summer due to family reasons, but has been a pillar of professionalism about the situation.

Last term Hayden took advantage of an injury to Jonjo Shelvey to break into the first-team and become one of the most consistent and important players under Rafa Benitez.

The former Arsenal man struck up a brilliant parntership with youngster Sean Longstaff, and kept the likes of Shelvey, Ki Sung-yueng and Mo Diame out of the side until the season’s end.

Many would have expected Hayden to have departed by now, but Bruce has seen ‘positive signs’ that the 24-year-old could stay.

He said (Chronicle): “I sincerely hope so. He’s another really good young player who I had the privilege to work with at Hull.

“All the indications are positive, so let’s hope we can persuade him to stay and play his football at Newcastle. Certainly that’s what I want.”

TBR’s view

Although the situation could still rapidly change, it is certainly looking as though £22,000-a-week star Hayden (Spotrac) will be sticking around.

That would be a major boost for the club, especially with Diame having left.

Maybe Newcastle fans will have Bruce to thank if he does stay following their time together at Hull.

Not only would it be good news for the fans, but also for young Longstaff, who really seemed to relish operating alongside him in the engine room.