Celtic reportedly want to sign Aberdeen’s Jonny Hayes after he impressed against them in the Scottish Cup final, but what about Rangers?
Jonny Hayes admitted to the Daily Record that he may have trouble sleeping for some time after misplacing a simple sideways pass in Aberdeen’s heart-wrenching Scottish Cup final defeat to old foes Celtic on Saturday.
With Dons teammate Kenny McLean square, all Hayes had to do was roll it into his path to give Derek McInnes’ side the lead mid-way through the second half. However, around 20 minutes after rolling a simple ball out of the midfielder’s grasp, Tom Rogic stormed through to send Celtic in raptures in stoppage time.
Though Hayes should not be too hard on himself. It was his expertly controlled volley which put Aberdeen a goal up early on. And, according to the Daily Mail, his superb performances this season have caught Celtic’s eye with Brendan Rodgers planning to rob the runners-up of their star man this summer.
The 29-year-old has enjoyed an influential season at Pittodrie, netting nine league goals and being the only non-Celtic star to be nominated for the Scottish Premiership’s Player of the Year award.
Pittodrie to Ibrox?
However, if Celtic make their interest known, do not expect Rangers to be too far behind. After all, the Gers are in far greater need of attacking reinforcements, especially with the Daily Record claiming they will listen to cut-price offers for both Joe Garner and Barrie McKay.
Nottingham Forest are reportedly keen on Rangers’ Barrie McKay
In fact, only 37-year-old Kenny Miller hit double figures in Rangers’ squad in 2016/17 so Hayes’ goal-threat and versatility could be integral.
Furthermore, manager Pedro Caixinha insists that he wants to instil a distinctly domestic spine in his squad – with Aberdeen team-mates Ryan Jack (below) and Kenny McLean seemingly central to his revolution plans.
Jack, the Aberdeen captain, has snubbed offers from elsewhere to join Rangers, HITC sources told us.
But will Hayes join him at Ibrox? He certainly fits the specifications.
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