With Glenn Whelan and Mile Jedinak leaving Aston Villa this summer, Dean Smith may be on the look-out for a replacement – a defensive-midfielder with Premier League experience, combative qualities, composure in possession and high levels of industry would be the ideal signing.
Isaac Hayden may fit the bill perfectly for £15m. The 24-year-old is expected to leave Newcastle United before the transfer window shuts as he wants to be closer to his family in South Wales, so a move to Villa could benefit all parties. Hayden has wanted out of United since last summer but hadn’t been granted a departure until now.