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Report: Cardiff rejoin Celtic in Jonny Hayes race; Warnock worried Hoops’ bid will be too tempting

Cardiff manager Neil Warnock (REUTERS)
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Cardiff City have reignited their interest in Aberdeen’s Jonny Hayes, but now face competition from Celtic for the winger.

Aberdeen's Jonathan Hayes in action with Celtic's Patrick RobertsCardiff have reignited their interest in Jonny Hayes

A report in the Daily Record has suggested that Cardiff City have reignited their interest and joined Celtic in the running to sign Aberdeen winger Jonny Hayes, but Bluebirds boss Neil Warnock is not overly optimistic about winning the race.

The Record reports that the Championship side tried to sign the 29-year-old during the most recent January transfer window with a number of bids, but were ultimately unable to tempt the Dons into a deal.

Cardiff manager Neil WarnockCardiff manager Neil Warnock is concerned about missing out to Celtic

However, they are ready to try their luck again this summer, with the Record reporting that Derek McInnes has accepted that he may struggle to keep hold of the winger as both clubs could be prepared to offer him a salary worth five times more than the £2,500 a week he currently earns at Pittodrie.

The Record adds that Aberdeen wanted £1 million for Hayes in January and will not accept less now that Celtic have joined the chase, which is something that Warnock is concerned about.

Aberdeen's Jonathan Hayes looks dejected after a missed chanceHayes looks set to cost around £1 million

According to the Record, Warnock fears that the prospect of playing Champions League football and working with Brendan Rodgers will prove too difficult for Hayes to turn down if given the chance.

With nine goals and 12 assists to his name in the Scottish Premiership alone this past season, it seems difficult to imagine why either club would hesitate to make the seven-figure offer that Aberdeen are seemingly looking for.

If he could replicate that form following a move away, Celtic would surely have a greater chance of replicating their incredible achievements from this past season, while Cardiff would surely boost their chances of securing a spot in the promotion mix.

Celtic manager Brendan RodgersCeltic manager Brendan Rodgers