The chances of Jonny Hayes returning to Aberdeen have reduced with news that the Dons are looking at wage cuts.
Hayes left Pittodrie for Celtic in 2017 with a return to the north-east thought to be his preference after his hoops deal expired.
Earlier this week there were reports that the Irishman could be signed in time to start pre-season training but financial reality is about to hit as The Sun explained:
ABERDEEN chairman Dave Cormack has told the Pittodrie players he must cut wages as the club faces up to a £9million drop in income.
The Dons chief has joined Hibs in spelling out the harsh realities of football’s finances during Covid-19 to his stars.
Boss Derek McInnes and his team agreed wage deferrals when the pandemic closed the game down in March.
But with the SPFL set to resume in August behind closed doors, Cormack has now decided he has no choice but to go further.
Walking into a dressing room where pay cuts have been imposed isn’t a situation that any player would welcome with any arrivals effectively being paid by the cuts in the current first team squad.
Hayes will be 33 next month but fitness hasn’t been an issue as he made 26 appearances for Celtic in the season just ended.
Dundee United and Preston have also been linked with the versatile winger but with so much uncertainty across football it’s unlikely that any club will be rushing in with an offer.