Derek McInnes spoke to RedTV this evening and gave his reaction to the signing of James Maddison once the deal was officially complete:

“I am really excited to get James.

“James is a player with great talent and hopefully playing with us he will get a chance to showcase that.

“He can play in a number of positions in midfield and he is also a creative player. He is very good technically, he can make the difference in a tight game and is someone who I really hope will enjoy himself here.

“James is coming up to play with some very good players which he recognises. He recognises the demands of the club but all that was a big attraction for him.

“There were a lot of clubs interested in him because he is a good player but when we spoke to his agent and to James it was clear they seen Aberdeen as the preferred option which pleases me no end.

“We are really looking forward to getting him up to train with the rest of the lads and getting working with him.

“He is a player who has had a lot expected of him from a young age. He has handled all of that. He got his move to Norwich at a young age and is someone who is very capable, very confident of his own work because he is a good footballer and he back’s himself.

“We are pleased to get him and we have done well to get him. We thank Alex Neil and Norwich for allowing this move to happen.

“He is here until January. We are comfortable with that and so are Norwich. We will see what transpires from there. Whilst we have got him we will try and make it as beneficial as possible for all parties. There are a lot of games and a lot to cram in between now and then James is eager to be part of that.”

The manger also dismissed the rumours that Jonny Hayes would be leaving before the window closed this evening:

“I have taken a few phone calls over the past few days about potential players on loan. I have had no inquiries about Jonny. Certainly none of the reported clubs have been in contact. It is the time of the season where things can get fabricated but I can assure you there has been no calls about Jonny recently and we are delighted about that.

“Jonny is expected to be back in full training with us on Monday and is eager to play his part in helping us get into some kind of rhythm between now and the winter break in January. Hopefully with Jonny and James added to the squad we can be optimistic about getting the results we are looking for.”