Aberdeen winger Jonny Hayes has emerged as a target for Wigan Athletic.

Named on the PFA Scotland Player of the Year shortlist, the 28-year-old had a fine season, narrowly missing out on the Republic of Ireland squad for Euro 2016 following an international debut against Switzerland in March.

And that form has attracted the attention of Wigan boss Gary Caldwell as the former Scotland defender seeks to strengthen for a return to the English Championship after securing promotion.

Aberdeen winger Jonny Hayes has emerged as a target for newly promoted Wigan Athletic

The Latics are prepared to offer a fee in excess of £500,000 for the wide man.

Aberdeen have secured Hayes under contract until 2018, however, and want to build a team to challenge for next season’s SPFL Premiership title.

The Pittodrie club have signed strikers Myles Storey and Jayden Stockley and are battling with Hearts for Irish attacker Conor Sammon.

Manager Derek McInnes is also in the market for a goalkeeper, a defender and a new midfielder and is seeking the backing of the Aberdeen board to keep his team intact.

Wigan boss Gary Caldwell is seeking to strengthen for a return to the Championship after securing promotion

Admitting Wigan face an uphill battle to compete with Championship rivals for new players, former Celtic defender Caldwell said yesterday: ‘Last year we were the big fish in League One.

‘This year we’re in among the other sharks, so to speak, so we have to do everything we can to attract players.

‘The financial benefits of coming here are not going to be there, because other teams are going to be able to offer them more.

‘What we have to offer them is a team and club going places and a club players can see is doing the right thing and has a possibility of achieving success.’



