Stoke City have suffered a setback in their hopes of signing Newcastle United defender Isaac Hayden.
The Potters were keen to sign the Magpies utility man, who was a regular last season under Rafa Benitez, but this year it is evident that Hayden might not play quite such an integral role under the Spaniard.
However, in a report by the Stoke Sentinel, it has emerged that Benitez has told Hayden to stay and fight for his position and that he needs him this season, effectively shutting down any hope of a move to the Championship promotion hopefuls.
Hayden, who can play in both midfield and in defence is thought to have favoured a move away from St James' Park owing to his lack of first team chances in the coming season, but as it stands, it looks like he will be firmly staying put.
Stoke themselves have been keen to add as much Premier League talent to the ranks as possible during the summer, and the addition of Hayden would have been another welcome addition to the ranks at the Bet365 Stadium.
Stoke fans, what do you make of this? Would Hayden had been a good signing? Let us know in the comments!