Preston North End have dismissed speculation linking them with a move for winger Jonny Hayes on a free transfer, as per reports from the Lancashire Evening Post.

The 32-year-old's three-year spell at Celtic came to an end on Friday after being let go upon the expiry of his contract, and he is now on the lookout for a new club.

Over the course of the weekend, the Daily Mail claimed that Preston North End and Stoke City were among those in the hunt for Hayes ahead of the 2020/21 campaign.

But as per reports from the Lancashire Evening Post, North End advisor Peter Ridsdale has confirmed that making approaches for players is not on the club’s priority list at the moment.

He said: “We have got a squad of 27 at the moment plus some youngsters.

Our first concern is to make sure we can pay those players, they are contracted to us.
“This is not the time to be talking about bringing in other players and adding to what we have got.
“We’ve got to focus on finishing this season and then we’ll see where we are at in the summer.
“We are certainly not at the stage of making approaches for players.”

Alex Neil’s side still have aspirations of playing in the Premier League next season, with a top-six finish looking to be well on the cards for the Lancashire outfit.

North End occupy the final play-off spot in the Championship table, one point clear of Bristol City ahead of the final nine league games of the season - that is set to resume on the 20th of June.

The Verdict

It doesn’t surprise me to learn that North End aren’t interested in signing Hayes.

He is a really experienced player who has enjoyed a magnificent time at Celtic, but at the age of 32, he doesn’t really fit in with the current group of youngsters at Deepdale.

Neil is building a really talented up and coming group rather than players in hi have been there and done it.