QPR next transfer move could rival Sheffield Wednesday for 'top target' Premier League star

QPR could look to reignite interest in Newcastle United star Isaac Hayden with the 28-year-old destined for a loan spell in the Championship after his time at Standard Liege was called to an abrupt halt.

The midfielder had been named as a 'top target' for QPR last summer as he looked at options to get more game time away from the North East, having fallen out of Eddie Howe's plans. Hayden had been on the verge of completing a move to Sheffield Wednesday at the end of the previous transfer window before that deal collapsed.

The former Norwich City and Hull City man was instead shipped to Belgium Pro League side Standard Liege but never really settled with the Magpies activating a recall option in the deal this month. Hayden made 11 appearances for the Belgian outfit but missed four of the last five matches.

A 32-word club statement by Liege last Thursday read: "The English club have activated the recall clause in Isaac Hayden's loan contract. This means he will return to Newcastle. Standard de Liege wishes Isaac the best in his further professional career."

It comes just days after Liege CEO Pierre Locht labelled Hayden's short spell as inconsistent' despite praising his abilities as 'a true number six, capable of settling the game'.

Hayden's return to St James' Park could come at a timely moment for an injury-ridden Newcastle United side, who have now added the combative Joelinton to their list of sidelined stars, but Howe seems adamant that the player is not of use in the Premier League. The Magpies boss said: “I think Isaac will go back on loan, possibly somewhere else. Although I’m slightly unsure (if there is a deal already lined up).”

Sheffield Wednesday are once again named as an interested party as they look to launch a fight for survival with Tony Mowbray's Birmingham City another club linked already. QPR have had injury worries in midfield this season, with Jack Colback returning to the side against Watford having missed seven league outings, but looked well off the pace before being hooked after 70 minutes.

After the match, Rs boss Marti Cifuentes shared his belief that new players would arrive at Loftus Road this month but acknowledged the club's Financial Fair Play worries. The Spaniard also admitted to having already had conversations with new CEO Christian Nourry about how the club would act this window.