Abedeen winger Jonny Hayes has commented on rumours linking him with a move to Celtic.
Aberdeen’s Jonathan Hayes looks dejected
Aberdeen winger Jonny Hayes has told The Scottish Sun that he has known about Celtic’s interest in him for some time – and is taking it as a compliment.
The Bhoys may have clinched an unbeaten domestic treble in Brendan Rodgers’ first season in charge of the club, but they will still be looking for new signings this summer.
Aberdeen’s Jonathan Hayes in action with Celtic’s Patrick Roberts
Not only will Rodgers want to continue the domination of Scottish football, but he will also have European success on his mind, with a winger seemingly on his wish list.
One player being heavily linked with a move to Celtic Park is Aberdeen winger Jonny Hayes, who scored against the Bhoys in last month’s Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park.
The 29-year-old Irishman, who worked with Rodgers in the youth setup at Reading, enjoyed a superb campaign with Aberdeen this past season, notching nine goals and 12 assists in the Scottish Premiership.
Aberdeen’s Jonny Hayes (C) scores against Celtic
On Sunday, the Daily Mail claimed that Celtic have offered £1million plus a season-long loan for Ryan Christie in order to sign Hayes, with Rodgers keen on a reunion – and Hayes also believed to be interested in the move.
Cardiff’s interest may be an issue for Celtic, but Rodgers will hope that his prior relationship with Republic of Ireland international Hayes can help swing the move in the Bhoys’ favour.
Aberdeen’s Jonathan Hayes in action with St Johnstone’s Steven Anderson
Now, Hayes has told The Scottish Sun that he has known about their interest for some time, and whilst he doesn’t know whether he will be leaving Pittodrie, he is flattered by the interest.
“We’ve obviously known about it for a while now,” said Hayes. “There have been a few things developing with the club. It means you are doing something right if somebody else is taking a look. You can take it as a compliment. As far as I’m aware I am still an Aberdeen player.”
“I enjoy it there and it’s an old cliche but we’ll wait and see what happens. I just wanted to finish the season with Aberdeen and I signed a new deal there in January. I was really just concentrating on that. Whatever happens over the summer will happen,” he added.
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