It has become apparent in recent weeks that Hayes has not settled at North End, losing his place in the first team and only scoring one goal in his short time at the club.
Rumours were abound that he was the player who was heading to Barnsley in a swap deal with Iain Hume before the deal fell through at the last minute thanks to a u-turn from the Tykes.
Hayes has now been linked with a move to Brighton who may well come in for the striker who appears to want to leave Preston.