Newcastle United midfielder Isaac Hayden has stated that the players are battling it out to impress manager Rafael Benitez during pre-season.

United have not brought in too many players to the club this summer but as evidenced by their fine performances in the Championship last season, the Magpies certainly possess a strong squad in terms of depth.

Hayden told the club's website: "The manager is trying to produce competition for places, and I think that's going to be imperative going forward.

"Nobody wants to feel that they're in the team – everyone wants to be kept on their toes, trying their best in training every day to create the right impression. And when they do get the chance, they have to show something, otherwise they won't play.

"The atmosphere that's being created is that nobody's in the team – everyone has got a chance, and it's about what you do when you do get the chance."