BRIGHTON head a growing list of clubs interested in giving Isaac Hayden a route out of Newcastle United after the midfielder’s request to leave.

The 23-year-old has told Rafa Benitez that he would like to return south to be closer to his family due to exceptional family reasons.

The Chelmsford-born former Arsenal youngster is now waiting to hear which clubs are keen, although the Magpies would still be looking for a sizeable transfer fee.

And the player’s valuation could make it harder for southern based clubs in the Championship who would be interested, such as Reading, Ipswich and Queens Park Rangers.

That is why Brighton and Premier League newcomers Fulham are in the strongest position to push for a deal if they believe he provides value for money.

Newcastle are understood to rate Hayden in the £10m-bracket, which is more than double what they paid Arsenal two years ago when they handed him a five-year-deal.

Brighton manager Chris Hughton has admired Hayden since the two clubs battled for promotion together from the Championship, when Newcastle pipped the Seagulls to the title.

Hayden was an important player in Benitez’s side during that season because of the energy he has in the middle of midfield. He has, though, found starting spots harder to come by in the Premier League.

Fulham have also come up against Hayden in the Championship and are already in discussions with Newcastle to try to strike a deal for £20m-rated Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Benitez is in Ireland with the Newcastle squad for a training camp and he has been unable to get the sort of deals over the line he would have liked before Tuesday’s first friendly of the summer against St Patrick’s Athletic at Richmond Park.

The Newcastle boss has renewed his interest in Liverpool striker Danny Ings, although Southampton are pushing to sign him. The Reds want £20m and Southampton are believed to have tested the water with a £10m offer, while Newcastle have previously tried to land the 25-year-old on loan.

Another forward Newcastle have been linked with this summer is Swansea’s Andre Ayew. The Ghana international looks set to move to Turkey unless tentative Premier League interest is stepped up this week.

Besiktas have asked to take Ayew on a season long loan and Swansea are considering it because it frees up his wages following relegation, while it also retains the possibility of him returning having only joined for £18m in January from West Ham.

Newcastle, meanwhile, have appointed experienced talent-spotter George Dixon, formerly of West Ham and Blackburn, to Steve Nickson’s scouting team.