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Following a candid interview, in which he revealed that he needs to leave the club to be with his partner and their sick daughter, Isaac Hayden is expected to leave Newcastle in the summer after having his wish of a move away denied in January.

Given his amazing performances of late, where he has emerged as one of the first names on Rafa Benitez's teamsheet, there will be a huge gaping hole where he once stood if he does end up departing St James' Park.

Who can replace him?

It will be tough to replace a player of Hayden's quality on the cheap and as we all know, Mike Ashley doesn't often spend huge sums of cash nor does he enjoy loosening his purse strings.

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Hayden is 24 years of age, English and could easily get better, but given his difficult personal circumstances, it would be unfair to keep hold of him against his will, especially as he has been a model professional throughout the whole situation.

As a result of that, Newcastle should look within their ranks right now to find the answer, and it could well be right before their eyes in Fabian Schar.

Why would he be a capable replacement?

Schar, a £3m bargain summer signing, has been arguably one of the Magpies' best players this season.

His quality is there for all to see. The Swiss international can pass the ball, dribble with it, time his tackles well and is a dominant presence in the air - all of which are traits that are pivotal parts of Hayden's game.

If you're wondering how Rafa Benitez will cope with losing a centre-half to play him in midfield, natural left-back Paul Dummett has excelled in the centre of defence in recent weeks, whilst he also has Jamaal Lascelles and the currently injured Florian Lejeune to choose from.

By making this shrewd move, Benitez can save some cash this summer and allow his team to remain settled.