Stoke City are reportedly rivalling Preston North End to the potential signing of Celtic winger Jonny Hayes according to the Daily Mail. 

Hayes is out-of-contract with the Bhoys heading into the summer, and it has been revealed that he would leave the club, in a post on his Twitter account.

It remains to be seen as to which club leads the race to land his signature at this moment in time, although he's clearly a player in demand, with Cardiff City also keen to hold talks with the 32-year-old.

Stoke are currently sat 17th in the Championship table, and will be hoping they can finish this year's campaign strongly, as they look to pull clear of the relegation-threatened sides in the second tier.

It's been a season to forget for the club's supporters, who will be keen to see reinforcements brought in heading into the summer transfer window.

Recent off-the-field events have brought this year's campaign to an abrupt halt, although clubs have recently started to return to training.

We take a look at TWO pros and TWO cons to Stoke City eyeing a summer transfer swoop for Hayes.

Pro: The cost of any potential deal. 

Hayes is out-of-contract heading into the summer, and won't cost a penny for the club that he signs for.

He hasn't had the consistent game time he would have liked to with Celtic, and will be hoping he can get his career back on track at the earliest of opportunities.

If he can hit the ground running, then it could prove to be a shrewd bit of business by the Potters.

Con: Would he get into their starting XI? 

Even though Stoke have been poor in the Championship this season, they do still have some players that could be playing at a higher level.

Hayes certainly won't be guaranteed a starting spot if he signed for the club, with Michael O'Neill having a number of options available to him.

But if Hayes can impress, then the Stoke boss will have a welcome selection dilemma on his hands.

Pro: He'll be keen to prove a point. 

Hayes has struggled for regular minutes in his time with Celtic, and it won't come as much of a surprise to see him heading for the exit door at Celtic Park.

If he signed for Stoke, he'd be hoping to showcase his talent at the earliest of opportunities.

Stoke need players that are hungry to prove themselves, and Hayes fits that description perfectly.

Con: Will a move to Stoke be tempting for Hayes? 

Stoke are struggling in the Championship at this moment in time, which will be a concern for any player that could be heading to the club.

The Potters haven't been at their best for much of this year's campaign, and reinforcements are definitely needed heading into the summer.

With Preston and Cardiff City also interested though, Stoke face a real battle to land Hayes' signature.