Aberdeen star snubs Champ trio as Celtic deal inches closer

Aberdeen star Jonny Hayes has turned down the chance to move back to England and has agreed terms to move to Celtic, TEAMalk understands.

The 29-year-old winger will sign a three-year deal at Parkhead to join the Scottish champions, once the deal between the two is finalised but that could be within the next 24 hours.

Cardiff, Nottingham Forest and Birmingham all wanted the Irish international, whilst Sunderland – who will soon have Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes at the helm – were readying a bid.

Former Reading man Hayes could even have earned more money by moving back south of the border, but he has his heart set on a switch to Glasgow.

Celtic have now pushed ahead, agreeing terms with the player and are close to finalising the transfer which is set to see Ryan Christie move on loan to Pittodrie, again.