As reported by The Daily Record, Aberdeen winger Jonny Hayes is a target for Celtic in the upcoming transfer window.

They 29-year-old has had a stellar season for the Dons and supporters in the North of Scotland would be devastated to see their star man leave. That adulation for the Republic of Ireland international doesn't exactly extend south to Celtic, where news of the deal hasn't been received all that well.

At first glance, you can understand supporters' misgivings. He doesn't really fit the Hoops' signing profile. They often target young players in the 21-24 age bracket, which is especially true when they recruit from within Scottish football. They tend to only sign older players to solve a specific problem like cover for defence or a back-up goalkeeper.

Still, we reckon it's a move that makes more sense than people realise and here are THREE reasons why...

More top-flight assists than anyone

Jonny Hayes' direct goals contribution to Aberdeen this season has been nothing short of outstanding. With 11 goals and 12 assists in all competitions, he's been undoubtedly the best player in Scotland this season outside of Brendan Rodgers' talented Celtic squad.

In fact, those 12 assists in the Scottish Premiership mean no-one else in the entire league has set-up more goals than him, including anybody at Celtic. Just think what he may be able to score and create surrounded by teammates of a much higher standard than he currently works with at the Dons.

Patrick Roberts was Celtic's leading goal creator this past season with ten assists in the Scottish top-flight but with that contribution gone, Rodgers needs someone reliable who can find his teammates in the final third on a consistent basis and Hayes represents such an option.

Celtic don't exactly have an abundance of options

As noted, with Patrick Roberts going back to Manchester City this summer, Celtic badly need bodies in to help the team out in the wide areas. With Roberts gone, Celtic aren't exactly blessed with depth in wide areas with only James Forrest, Scott Sinclair and Gary Mackay-Steven naturally adept at playing on the wing in the first team.

Scott Sinclair of course had a wonderful season but what happens if he gets injured? James Forrest started the season superbly but by the end played second fiddle to Roberts. Gary Mackay-Steven failed to progress in a way similar to the likes of Stuart Armstrong and has arguably been left behind in Brendan Rodgers' squad.

Celtic need bodies in and Hayes has a proven track record in Scotland and is unlikely to break the bank. We have no doubt the Hoops will seek to add even more quality to attacking midfield, but Hayes isn't a bad start.

Signing him weakens their closest challengers

While it's likely not Brendan Rodgers' intention, the fact remains that signing him does significantly weaken Celtic's closest challengers this season. Aberdeen finished second in the Scottish Premiership and finished as runners up in both national cup competitions.

Derek McInnes' side pushed them mighty close in last weekend's Scottish Cup final, perhaps a bit too close for Rodgers' liking.

Of course, Jonny Hayes was at the heart of it, netting early to force Celtic to come from behind if they were going to win the treble.

Aberdeen are unlikely to be able to challenge across the course of a whole league campaign, with or without Hayes, but in one-off matches and in the cups he's a danger, so removing that threat would be a welcome by-product of bringing him to Glasgow.