"Other clubs..." - QPR warned about competition for Newcastle United summer transfer | OneFootball

The Magpies are willing to let the 29-year-old leave St James' this summer.

After a successful loan spell last season, Queens Park Rangers want to bring back Isaac Hayden from Newcastle United and Carlton Palmer has given his assessment of the prospective move.

The experienced midfielder was a very handy option for Marti Cifuentes during the back half of the 2023/24 campaign. He played 17 times for QPR in the league, starting a dozen of those games, and he helped to steer the R's away from the relegation zone.

Understandably, there is a desire among those at Loftus Road to see him back in a blue and white striped shirt again. It won't be an easy deal to do though.

The Northern Echo has reported that he has been made available for transfer by Newcastle. He has another two years left on his current deal with the Magpies, but the R's, though keen, would not be able to afford to pay him his current wages if the 29-year-old were to return to London.

Hayden has previously said that he would be open to a permanent reuniting with QPR but whether he's willing to drop his wages in order to do so remains to be seen.

Carlton Palmer's view on the potential QPR, Isaac Hayden deal

The pundit has given his overview of the deal and has warned the R's about the potential of other second tier clubs getting Hayden before they do.

He told Football League World: "QPR are very keen on signing Isaac Hayden from Newcastle on a permanent contract. He returned to Newcastle after his loan spell from Christmas to the end of the season. He was very instrumental in helping Cifuentes' side avoid relegation.

"He has two years left on his current deal. The 29-year-old made 17 appearances for QPR as they finished 18th.

"It looks like the stumbling block is his salary. Newcastle have made it clear that he is surplus to requirements and QPR would like to make this a permanent deal. Obviously, with Chris Willock going to Cardiff, that will free up some money.

"It's come out that the player himself is keen to be part of Cifuentes' team, but no agreement on personal terms has been reached, and that will be needed to get the deal over the line.

"If the deal can't be done, then QPR will look to loan him again for the season, but Newcastle are keen to get Hayden off of their wage bill. There will be other clubs that are interested in him in the Championship too.

"QPR remain the favourites. The player enjoyed his time there, enjoyed playing for Cifuentes, but it remains to be seen whether they can meet the player's wage demands."

Isaac Hayden is the type of player that can take QPR to the next step

After eventually guiding the R's fairly comfortably clear of the relegation zone, Cifuentes' future goals with the club should be clear.

They next need to establish themselves as a comfortable Championship side; one that isn't in fear of relegation, but is also unlikely to be challenging for a place in the top six. After that, the aims will progress naturally, with a view to getting higher and higher up the league.

But, before any thoughts of promotion come into the minds of QPR fans, that first step towards safety, and a lower blood pressure for supporters, has to be taken.

Cifuentes showed in the 2024 part of the previous season that he can do amazing things with this team.

Whether they would be able to stretch that form across an entire season remains to be seen, but Hayden is at least the type of player who can make them help them feel more comfortable about their Championship status.

He's a steady option that might not turn out to be a key cog in a promotion-winning side, in all honesty, but he's a presence that could bring more reassurance to what has been a nervy set of fans in recent times.