Junior Hoilett Aberdeen door still open as Jonny Hayes could also stay at Pittodrie

Junior Hoilett and Jonny Hayes could yet have the option to remain at Aberdeen beyond the summer.

The pair are both out of contract next month. Hoilett was a major player in Aberdeen’s end of season revival, after Neil Warnock took him in on a short-term deal. Interim Peter Leven has told incoming boss Jimmy Thelin he should keep him at Pittodrie. Aberdeen director of football Steven Gunn has been in talks with Thelin over their out-of-contract players. Hoilett turns 34 in the summer and there remains the possibility that he could be offered another year’s contract.

Jonny Hayes is also out of contract. He is wanted for a coaching role with Celtic. If he decides to hang up his boots, however, Aberdeen would offer him a coaching role within their academy. Midfielder Connor Barron is also out of contract and it is looking increasingly likely he will move on.

Bologna, Cagliari and Sassuolo are amongst the Italian clubs who are interested while there is also firm interest in England from Swansea City and Coventry City. Aberdeen would be entitled to around £500,000 in compensation.

Keeper Kelle Roos is also likely to move on in freedom of contract and former captain Anthony Stewart, who has been on loan at MK Dons, will also depart. Stefan Gartenmann and Killian Phillips’ loan deals are also up and they are likely to return to Midtjylland and Crystal Palace, respectively.