Hanley in demand

Newcastle are confident of recovering the £5.5m that they spent on Grant Hanley.

According to a report in The Chronicle, Derby County have emerged as favourites for the defender but face competition from Aston Villa, Cardiff and Wolves.

Hanley had a bit part role to play in Newcastle’s promotion winning campaign and isn’t included in Rafa Benitez’s plans for net season.

The Scotland defender made the breakthrough at Blackburn Rovers and has plenty of admirers across the Championship.

Hanley made close to 200 appearances for Blackburn and was handed a five year contract when he signed for Newcastle.

Derby are prepared to match the terms of his Newcastle deal and offer the 25-year-old the chance to enjoy regular first team football which should safeguard his place in the Scotland side.

Last season he only started in five Championship matches scoring one goal- away to QPR in an early season 6-0 win at Loftus Road.