Aberdeen defender Shay Logan believes team-mate Jonny Hayes is among the three best players in Scotland and is not surprised he is a man in high demand.
Cardiff City have had two £500,000 bids rejected for the Republic of Ireland international and may make a third attempt to land the 29-year-old before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.
Hayes impressed as the Dons booked their place in the last 16 of the Scottish Cup and a trip to Ross County with a 4-0 victory against Stranraer on Saturday thanks to doubles from Adam Rooney and Niall McGinn.
Logan feels his teammate would thrive in the English Championship but hopes he remains at Aber-deen for the final 18 months of his contract and beyond.
He said: “For me, aside from maybe the likes of Moussa Dembele and Scott Sinclair at Celtic, I think Jonny is the best player in the league. I’d put him up as the best left midfielder in the league. No one can stop him on his day.
“It’s only right that big teams are looking at the big players. I’m sure it will all be carefully thought about and we will see what happens but I’ve played in the Championship and know Jonny could do what he does here in that league.
“If a good team comes in and there is an opportunity to prove yourself down there, I am all for it – if it is the better move in all senses for the player and his family.
“If it turns out that clubs are interested in Jonny and he decides to go then he has done one heck of a job here. No one could begrudge him going. If someone offered you the same job for a different company on five or six times your wage then you would think about it. Of course you would.
“Being a footballer is a job. It’s a job we love but if there are chances to better yourself then everyone wants to better themselves. I wouldn’t begrudge people that if it’s the right move.”
German side RB Leipzig are reported to be considering a £6million move for Rangers attacking midfielder Barrie McKay, with former Celtic player turned pundit John Hartson suggesting if McKay is worth that figure then his Hoops counterpart James Forrest must be worth £10million.
But Logan believes Hayes is better than both. He said: “I’d take Jonny Hayes over those two any day. They are both very good players. But, for me, Jonny Hayes on his day, there is nobody, on the left or right of midfield, who is more direct or fast.”