Isaac Hayden has asked to leave Newcastle - and that could alert Albion.

Hayden has requested a transfer in order to return south for 'exceptional family reasons', according to the Newcastle Chronicle.

The Argus understands Hayden has been a player of interest to the Seagulls for some time.

He was seeminngly not for sale but could now be available for around £10 million.

Hayden, who still has three years left on his contract, reportedly requested a transfer yesterday during a meeting with manager Rafa Benitez at Newcastle's Republic of Ireland training camp.

The 23-year-old defensive midfielder from Chelmsford made 15 starts for Newcastle in the Premier League last season.

Hayden, formerly with Arsenal, can also play at right-back and in the centre of defence.