Rangers aimed to lure Celtic defender Caitlin Hayes to Ibrox in what would have been a dramatic switch of allegiance in the SWPL.
The PFA Women’s Player of the Year yesterday ended any talk of a move when she signed a new contract with Fran Alonso’s side that extends to another two years with the option of a further season after her current deal was due to run out this summer. Record Sport understands Hayes’ situation had been monitored by Rangers as well as a number of clubs south of the border after a campaign in which she has grown in stature and influence within the Parkhead side.
“There was a lot of talk and women’s football is a small circle so there is always chat going on,” said Hayes. “I don’t think that there was ever any official move from Rangers or an official approach to the club, it was just a bit of talk which tends to happen. There were also a lot of teams down south who had expressed an interest. But my heart is always with Celtic.
“Celtic made it clear that they wanted me and I appreciated that. I have loved my time here, I have improved as a footballer and I love playing for the club.
“It was a huge statement from Celtic to give me a contract of this length because often in the women’s game we go from season-to-season. This felt like a statement offer and I think it shows the ambition of this club.
“They want to keep their best players and invest in a competitive team and I definitely want to be a part of that. And my Dad said if I signed for another club he wouldn’t speak to me!”
The new deals caps an exceptional week for Hayes who was named as PFA Player of the Year and Celtic’s Players’ Player of the Year as well as Player of the Year. The biggest day of the week, however, has still to come as the Hoops look to claim their first ever SWPL title on Sunday.
It is a three-way fight at the top to see who comes out on top with Glasgow City two points in front of Rangers, who they play at Ibrox this weekend, and Celtic locked on points. If the Hoops beat Hearts at Celtic Park and Rangers beat City, the championship will be decided on goal difference, with Rangers currently one goal better off.
If they are tied after Sunday’s games on goal difference then the title will go to whoever has scored most goals, currently Celtic by two. "It has been one of the best weeks of my life and I don’t feel like I have had the chance to enjoy it all,” said Hayes. "Hopefully I can make sure I am enjoying it all come Sunday.”
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