Celtic defender Caitlin Hayes is set to join Women’s Super League side Brighton this month.

It is understood that talks reached an advanced stage over the weekend with the 29-year-old due to undergo a medical in Brighton over the coming days.

Hayes agreed a new three-year deal with Celtic in May 2023, meaning Brighton will pay a fee to bring her to the club.

The Republic of Ireland international had been linked with several clubs in England, Spain and the USA in the opening weeks of the January transfer window.

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A vital part in helping the Hoops achieve trophy success in recent seasons, Hayes scored the only goal of the 2021 SWPL Cup final with Glasgow City to bring Celtic their first silverware in 11 years.

She also contributed to the club’s back-to-back Scottish Cup wins in 2022 and 2023.

The reigning Scottish Women’s Premier League champions are currently fifth in the table, five points behind league leaders Glasgow City.

Head coach Elena Sadiku recently dismissed transfer speculation surrounding the defender and had hoped to keep her at the club for the remainder of the season.

Speaking last week, Sadiku said: “Caitlin is here and will continue to play for the rest of season. I believe she is going to be here. If her agent has something to do with the rumours then that’s up to them but I have not heard anything. She is here and she is playing for Celtic.”