Billy Stark says that Jonny Hayes will be a like-for-like replacement for Patrick Roberts.
Aberdeen’s Jonny Hayes (C) scores their first goal
Celtic have been reportedly linked with a move for Aberdeen winger, Jonny Hayes, in the recent weeks.
According to The Scottish Sun, The Bhoys are interested in singing the 29-year-old winger, and could offer Ryan Christie, in order to seal the deal.
Former Celtic player, Billy Stark, says that Hayes would be a good like-for-like replacement for Patrick Roberts, who will return to Manchester City at the end of his loan deal.
He reckons that Celtic are not likely to be able to sign the on-loan Man City winger on a permanent deal. And therefore, should move for the Aberdeen winger who is tailor-made to fill Roberts’ boots at Parkhead.
Celtic’s Patrick Roberts shoots at goal
“I see the logic in Celtic going for Hayes and you would link that to their hopes of keeping Roberts,” said Stark, as quoted by The Daily Record.
“Celtic will know roughly where they are with the player and what he wants or if Man City are willing to sell for a reasonable price.
“You would doubt they could do a permanent deal and although Paddy has had a terrific second half of the season there is still loads of potential to be tapped into.
Aberdeen’s Jonathan Hayes in action with Celtic’s Patrick Roberts
“Hayes, on the other hand, is more the finished article. Of course if Roberts keeps progressing he’ll arguably be better than Jonny but just now Hayes has the experience.
“When you are looking at the chemistry of the squad you can be sure he would be a good fit for Celtic knowing the type of character he is.”
Rodgers knows Hayes very well, having recruited him at Reading when the winger was just 16.
He has enjoyed a stellar 2016/17 season, where he has scored nine goals and provided 16 assists in the Scottish Premiership, and seems to have caught Rodgers’ attention again.
Hayes signed a contract extension recently that will keep him at the club till 2019, but Celtic certainly have the financial power to offer such a deal that they cannot refuse.
General view inside Celtic Park
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