Celtic want to use Ryan Christie as a makeweight in a deal to sign Aberdeen star man Jonny Hayes.
Aberdeen’s Jonathan Hayes opened the scoring against Celtic in the Scottish Cup final
It appears that Celtic are no nearer to agreeing a deal with Aberdeen for Jonny Hayes. The 29-year-old, arguably the best player in the Scottish Premiership outside of Parkhead last season, is one of Brendan Rodgers’ top summer targets, according to Sky Sports.
However, after Championship outfit Cardiff City made a bid of £1.2 million for Hayes, Aberdeen have told Celtic that they must increase their offer or risk missing out on the Republic of Ireland international, the Daily Record adds.
Though it appears that Celtic could have one distinct advantage over their Welsh rivals. Because The Express claims that Ryan Christie has agreed to join Aberdeen on loan next season after an impressive spell at Pittodrie in the second half of 2016/17.
The talented 22-year-old even won Aberdeen’s Young Player of the Year award while inspiring them to the Scottish Cup final before being forced to sit out as parent club Celtic secured the domestic treble.
Ryan Christie
And this could be a step in the right direction for Celtic as they aim to lure Hayes to Glasgow. After all, it had been reported that Rodgers would use Christie as bait in a deal to sign their rival’s talismanic winger this summer.
The former Inverness youngster is a boyhood Celtic fan and, despite making just ten league appearances since joining two years ago, The Express reported last week that he did not want to give up his green-and-white dream.
However, latest reports suggest Christie is receptive towards a temporary return to Aberdeen – though whether this proves decisive in the Hayes saga remains to be seen.
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