Celtic could end up missing out on Aberdeen winger Jonny Hayes.
Aberdeen’s Jonathan Hayes looks dejected
According to the Daily Mail, Celtic will make a final decision on their pursuit of Aberdeen ace Jonny Hayes after Cardiff hijacked their bid.
The Bhoys may have completed an unbeaten domestic treble with their 2-1 Scottish Cup final win over Aberdeen, but manager Brendan Rodgers still wants to bring in new signings this summer.
Aberdeen’s Jonathan Hayes in action with Celtic’s Patrick Roberts
With European football now a real priority for Rodgers, he must look to add more quality to his ranks, and another wing appears to be on his radar whether Manchester City loanee Patrick Roberts returns or not.
Rodgers’ top target so far has been Aberdeen winger Jonny Hayes, who scored the Dons’ goal in that Scottish Cup final clash, but the Daily Mail report that Cardiff City have now swooped in at the 11th hour.
Celtic allegedly had medical staff on standby ready to complete a deal for Hayes on Friday, as he has agreed terms on a deal with the Bhoys, but there have been hold-ups in sealing the move.
Jonny Hayes of Aberdeen and Emilio Izaguirre of Celtic
Aberdeen wanted Ryan Christie in the deal having taken him on loan in January, but with Celtic unwilling to let him leave permanently, they would only agree to a £1m fee plus Christie on loan for the season.
With Rodgers also looking to bring Roberts back to Glasgow this summer, Cardiff have allegedly gazumped Celtic by offering £1.2million, leaving Celtic with a big decision to make.
Stuart Armstrong of Celtic and Jonny Hayes of Aberdeen in action
The Bhoys will reportedly have a final decision on their pursuit of Hayes by the end of the day, with the strong possibility that they will have to give up more – whether it’s cash or Christie permanently – than they had originally hoped.
The 29-year-old winger worked with Rodgers at Reading as a youngster and could reunite with the Celtic boss after a superb league season which saw him find the net nine times for Aberdeen, but the deal is being pushed to the brink.
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