Portsmouth in advanced stages of deal to sign new player

Portsmouth are advancing in their pursuit of signing Newcastle United midfielder Isaac Hayden on loan, according to Andy Moon.

Moon posted on X (8 January) that Pompey are "getting close" to agreeing a deal for Hayden, who is set to arrive at Fratton Park until the end of the season ahead of other Championship interest [Mike McGrath, 8 January].

The BBC Radio Solent broadcaster claimed the transfer was not quite in "'don't go to bed' territory" at this time - a phrase coined by supporters in waiting for an imminent signing - but the signs are looking promising for a Blues side expected to be busy this month.

Moon's post read: "We’re not quite at 'don’t go to bed' for Isaac Hayden to Pompey but we’re getting close", followed by a cartoon GIF of a man waking up.

Portsmouth close to Isaac Hayden deal

Portsmouth supporters have all been in agreement that the club need to bring in players of a higher calibre than was largely the case in the summer, and Hayden fits that bill.

The former Arsenal academy graduate has played 171 times for Newcastle United and would be in line to reunite with long-time Magpies teammate Matt Ritchie at Fratton Park.

Hayden, 29, has not played a senior game this season but spent last season on two loans - firstly to Belgian side Standard Liege, and then with 17 appearances for QPR in the Championship.

The defensive midfielder would become the second signing of the January transfer window as John Mousinho and Rich Hughes work hard in the background with the recruitment staff to strengthen the squad.

Rob Atkinson, a defender on loan from Bristol City and a former teammate of Mousinho's, has already come through the door and impressed on his debut at Sunderland last Sunday (5 January).

In other Portsmouth news, yet another injury blow for Mousinho and Pompey to contend with.

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