Middlesbrough are reportedly one of a number of sides interested in signing Celtic midfielder Jonny Hayes. 

The 32-year-old is out of contract in the summer and Hoops boss Neil Lennon is understood to be keen to offer him an extension, however, the Daily Record has reported that there are a string of Championship sides interested in the Irishman.

Hayes can open pre-contract talks with clubs from the 1st of January and Middlesbrough, Preston North End, Stoke City, and Cardiff City are all reportedly keen.

The Republic of Ireland international has been a bit-part player since arriving at Celtic Park, making 61 appearances since joining in 2017, so he may feel a move elsewhere is what he needs.

With January just a day away, Jonathan Woodgate will likely be weighing up whether pushing to sign Hayes is the right move.

With that in mind, here are two pros and two cons that the North East club may be considering...

Pro: He has thrived when given regular game time in the past.

Hayes stats at Celtic are not hugely impressive but that is likely due to him playing a bit-part role for the Scottish club.

When he was starting regularly for Aberdeen, the 32-year-old thrived and was a key attacking option–scoring 17 goals and providing 36 assists in his last two seasons with the Dons.

Boro are amongst the lowest scorers in the Championship this season, so adding Hayes and giving him regular game time could provide them with a boost in the final third.

Pro: He provides real versatility.

During his career, Hayes has played up and down both flanks–in defence, midfield, and the forward line–and would offer Woodgate some real versatility.

He has mostly been used as a left-back this season but his time at Aberdeen is proof of how potent he can be in forward areas, which could make the 32-year-old a real asset if he joins Boro.

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Con: They face some tough competition for his signature.

With Preston, Cardiff, and Stoke all thought to also interested, Boro face some tough competition for Hayes.

Not only will it be tough to tempt him away from a club higher up the table, like Preston or Cardiff, the options available to him, including staying at Celtic, will likely mean he isn't cheap.

Con: He is likely past his prime.

At 32, Hayes is very unlikely to improve moving forward and will, if anything, regress over the next few years.

He seems like someone that may be able to do a job for one or two more seasons but is certainly not a long-term answer.