Aberdeen are willing to sell Jonny Hayes to treble-winners Celtic, but only if the Hoops give them midfielder Ryan Christie in a player plus cash transfer.
The Hoops want 29-year-old Hayes, who scored the opening goal in Saturday’s Scottish Cup final at Hampden, and a deal could be completed this week.
The Dons value Hayes at £1million, but will accept less if the Hoops agree to include Christie in the deal.
Republic of Ireland international Hayes has two years left on his contract, but it seems his time with the Dons is near an end with Celtic and three English Championship clubs vying for his services.
Birmingham City manager Harry Redknapp watched Hayes at Hampden on Saturday while former Rangers manager Mark Warburton is also keen on taking Hayes to Nottingham Forest.
Warburton wanted Rangers to make a bid for Hayes in January in the hope of bringing him to Ibrox. Cardiff City, who failed with a bid for Hayes in January, are also interested.
Celtic hope the fact they can offer Christie, who is keen on a move to Aber-deen, can help them get Hayes, although they want to recoup the £500,000 they paid Inverness for Christie in 2015.
Christie impressed in his loan spell at the Dons and finished the season on a high, scoring three goals in his final two games for Derek McInnes’ side, including the winner in a 2-1 win against Rangers at Ibrox.
Former Celtic manager Martin O’Neill, Hayes’ international manager, is not surprised the Dons midfielder is drawing a crowd.
He said: “He’s been brilliant for Aberdeen for the whole season.”
Hayes will join up with the Ireland squad next week after being excused from the trip to the United States for the friendly against Uruguay.
O’Neill said: “I think Jonny would like a bit more time. I think he feels he’s capable of doing himself justice at international level because he’s got that confidence. He’s another one whose attitude is top class. Good luck to him.”