According to sources of The Shields Gazette, Southampton are not in talks with Newcastle to sign midfielder Isaac Hayden this summer.

The Lowdown: Saints linked with Hayden

The Saints have been linked with a move for Hayden (The Daily Mail), who came through Arsenal's academy as a youngster.

With both James Ward-Prowse (Football Insider) and Mario Lemina (Calciomercato) linked with an exit, a new arrival in the middle of the park would perhaps not go amiss for Ralph Hasenhuttl.

The Latest: Update provided

However, despite previous speculation, this latest report has revealed the Saints are not in any talks with the Magpies in regards to Hayden.

The 26-year-old is likely to stay at St. James' Park for the 2021/22 season.

The Verdict: Blow

This is disappointing news - Hayden could well have been a very useful addition to Southampton's side. He has plenty of Premier League experience, having made 104 appearances in the top flight (Transfermarkt), while he has even received hefty praise from Pep Guardiola in the past (via The Chronicle).

Previous reports said Newcastle were looking for £10m (The Sun) - a competitive fee, which perhaps suggests the speculation was always too good to be true. The Saints may yet look to make a concrete move for the midfielder, but it appears less and less likely as the new season edges ever closer.

In other news, Southampton fans were livid at this man's exit.