Newcastle United confirm player exit as first January domino falls

There has finally been some movement in the January transfer window for Newcastle United, but let's not get too excited just yet.

We know that Newcastle want to clear the wage bill and trim the squad in January with that seemingly being the focus more than any potential incomings.

There are several players Newcastle need to get off their books but injuries and other issues, like Mike Ashley mega-contracts are making that difficult for Paul Mitchell.

However, Newcastle have tonight (Friday) confirmed one exit, albeit a loan move.

Isaac Hayden has moved to Portsmouth on loan

Isaac Hayden is on one of the aforementioned mega-contracts from Mike Ashley which is making getting rid of the former Arsenal star very tricky.

Hayden is a Championship-level player on Premier League wages and under contract until 2026.

Ideally, we'd be looking to sell the midfielder on, but once again, we've had to make do with another loan move with the 29-year-old joining Portsmouth until the summer.

Isaac Hayden will be aiming to keep his international career alive

The official Newcastle United website was very short and sweet with its write-up announcing the midfielder's departure.

"The 29-year-old, who has 171 Magpies appearances to his name, had temporary stints with Standard Liège and Queens Park Rangers during the last campaign.

"Hayden, a Jamaica international, has now made the switch to Fratton Park and will link up with former United team-mate Matt Ritchie on the South Coast."

Hayden was called up to the Jamaica squad by former Newcastle boss Steve McClaren but has been told he will need to be playing regularly to keep his spot, so the move will help Hayden keep his international career alive.

Newcastle will be hoping that he makes an impression at Fratton Park and can earn himself a permanent move away from the club at the 657th time of asking.