Celtic are set to bid £1.2million for Aberdeen wide forward Jonny Hayes in an attempt to seal a deal by Wednesday, according to a Daily Record report.
The newspaper claims the Hoops will open negotiations with Hayes, 29, on Monday and manager Brendan Rodgers hopes to reach an agreement before the player takes a short holiday.
It is said the Irishman wants to settle his future in the next 48 hours, with Cardiff City and Birmingham City ready to battle the Bhoys in the race to his signature.
The report states Celtic are in “pole position” to sign Hayes, who is keen on playing under Rodgers, having previously worked with him when the player was in Reading’s academy.
However, Ryan Christie’s return to Pittodrie next term is deemed crucial to the deal for the fleet-footed winger taking place.
Sky Sports Scotland claimed on Sunday that Cardiff had tabled a £1.2million offer for the player, who enjoyed a fine 2016/17 campaign with the Dons.
Hayes provided an incredible 24 assists in 44 league and cup games, as well as scoring 11 goals, helping his side to a second-place finish in the Scottish Premiership and to two domestic cup semi-finals.
He has been at the club since his 2012 move from Inverness and he has made more than 200 appearances in all competitions for the club, supplying 71 assists and scoring 30 goals.