Dons wait for Christie as Hayes seals Celtic move

Aberdeen are waiting on Ryan Christie to make a decision on his future as talks on a playerplus-cash transfer with Celtic for Jonny Hayes continue.

The Dons have given Hoops’ target Hayes permission to speak to the Glasgow club about a move to Parkhead.

Hayes has agreed terms with Celtic and is waiting for the green light to complete the formalities of his three-year deal.

Whether Christie will be heading in the other direction, however, remains unclear.

The former Caley Thistle midfielder impressed during his loan spell at Pittodrie in the second half of the campaign and manager Derek McInnes is eager to bring back the player permanently.

Celtic are willing to use Christie as a makeweight in the deal but the 22-year-old is mulling over whether to call time on his Hoops career and head north.

Christie had hoped to rejoin Brendan Rodgers’ squad for pre-season training and try to force his way into the Celtic manager’s plans before the transfer window closes on August 31 and if unsuccessful he was willing to consider moving on from Parkhead.

Meanwhile, talented schoolboy Karamoko Dembele has committed himself to Celtic after signing a SFA youth registration contract.

The gifted midfielder hit the headlines when he made his debut for Celtic Under-20s at the age of 13 in October last year and has since gone on to play for both Scotland Under16s and England Under-15s.