Sky Bet Championship side West Bromwich Albion have had their first approach for midfielder Isaac Hayden, according to reports from the Express and Star.

The Baggies have recently identified the 23-year old as a potential transfer target in January, with the midfielder handing in a transfer request at St. James' Park in the summer to be closer to his family.

The midfielder, despite making just four starts in the Premier League all season, was a regular under Rafa Benitez in their Championship title-winning season back in 2016/17, and has emerged as a transfer target for the Baggies - Darren Moore's men are in the market for a holding midfielder, having been linked with Everton's James McCarthy.

But Albion have recently been dealt a huge blow in pursuit of the 23-year-old, with Newcastle refusing to let go of the midfielder until they find a replacement for the former Arsenal man, in turn rebuffing the Baggies' approach.

Moore's men face their biggest game of the season at the weekend, as they prepare to host promotion rivals Norwich City at The Hawthorns - the Canaries sit three points above the Baggies, and occupy the final automatic promotion place.

The Verdict

This is a huge blow for West Brom - knowing how quiet Newcastle are when bringing in new players, it'll be a long time before they sign a potential Hayden replacement.

He'd be a perfect fit for Albion, with Gareth Barry and Chris Brunt both approaching the latter stages of their careers.

They need to get this one done.