Jonny Hayes confirms that Celtic’s interest in him is real

Aberdeen winger Jonny Hayes has confirmed that Celtic’s interest in his is indeed genuine at that he and has agent have known about it for some time.

The 29-year-old, who scored against Celtic in the Scottish Cup final, is currently away on international duty with Ireland and he spoke to the press about his future.

He said:

We’ve obviously known about [Celtic’s interest] for a while now. There have been a few things developing with the club but I just wanted to finish the season with Aberdeen and sign a new deal there in January. I was just concentrating on that. Whatever happens over the summer will happen. But I’m here (with Ireland) now to enjoy being here for the next week or so. Then I’ll go straight to Disneyland with my family and then we’ll take it from there.

When asked about how if felt to know Celtic wanted him, the winger did admit that it was flattering to be linked with the Scottish champions.

It means you are doing something right, Managers and players at all levels, if somebody else is taking a look or is taking an interest, it means you are doing something right. You can take it as a compliment. As far as I’m aware I am still an Aberdeen player. I enjoy it there. It’s an old cliche, but we’ll wait and see what happens.

There have been reports that Celtic will try to do a deal to take Patrick Roberts from Manchester City, a move which could jeopardise a move for Hayes as it’s highly unlikely that the club would sign them both but as it currently stands, it looks like both are targets for Brendan Rodgers.