Celtic winger Jonny Hayes is free to speak to other clubs about a potential pre-contract move this month. The Irishman’s Hoops contract is up at the end of the season and nobody outside the club really has any idea of what is going on.
The issue has been lost a little in all the usual hustle and bustle of the January transfer window. So much has been made of who’s coming in and who’s leaving that Hayes’ future has been a little forgotten about.
The most recent correspondence on the issue was late last month when the Daily Record reported that Hayes was being chased by as many as four English Championship clubs. Preston, Middlesbrough, Stoke and Cardiff were all credited with an interest while the former’s move for Scott Sinclair would probably rule them out of the running.
Hayes is widely seen as a left-back by Neil Lennon but his ability as a winger may still appeal to some clubs down south.
Hayes doesn’t need to let Celtic know his intentions
Hayes has been a bit of a favourite of Lennon’s since the Northern Irishman rejoined the club last February. Despite being a relatively limited footballer, he featured in all of our first four Europa League group stage clashes, including the entire win away to Lazio.
Hayes also started December’s Betfred Cup final as well as both of the derby clashes at the end of last season.
The Record’s report from December states that Lennon had expected Celtic to open talks with Hayes over a new deal, but ten days later no work had been done. Obviously chat could be going on in the background as we speak, but our silence on this issue is pretty deafening right now.
You would imagine that Lennon wants to keep Hayes around. But while we haven’t agreed a new deal he is free to exercise his options. And he doesn’t need to let the club know what he’s doing either.
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