[ad_pod ]

West Ham United have turned their attention to Newcastle United midfielder Isaac Hayden after missing out on Barcelona’s Andre Gomes, per ClaretandHugh.

What’s the word?

The Hammers have seemingly missed out on the signing of the Portugal international, who spent the 2018/19 season on loan at Everton.

He prefers the possibility of a permanent move to Merseyside, per The Guardian, and the Irons appear to be making contingency plans in case they do miss out.

And Hayden has emerged as a target; the Newcastle midfielder has expressed his desire to leave St James’ Park for personal reasons, per the Daily Telegraph, with a move south a priority.

The 24-year-old, ClaretandHugh claim, would cost around £15m should the Magpies cash in.

Director of Football Mario Husillos is now set to negotiate the deal as manager Manuel Pellegrini bids to secure midfield reinforcements this summer.

Stumbled into a better deal

Hayden is a better option than Gomes.

The Magpies star, per WhoScored, averages 2.9 tackles per game in the Premier League, along with 1.6 interceptions and 1.1 clearances. He also has 0.9 key passes per game and is dribbled past just 0.7 times per game.

Gomes, by comparison, averages 1.4 tackles, 0.7 interceptions and 0.7 clearances. He boasts a mere 0.2 key passes and is dribbled past 1.7 times per game.

In every single area, Hayden is a better option, despite the pedigree offered by a Barcelona player.

It remains to be seen if a deal can be agreed but the 24-year-old is the best signing the Hammers could make; they may well have stumbled onto the best deal possible this summer.