Derek McInnes confident of keeping James Maddison at Aberdeen for the rest of the season
Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes is more than hopeful'' that midfielder James Maddison's loan spell from Norwich will be extended for the remainder of the season.
Doubt was cast on a renewed deal when Norwich boss Alex Neil was quoted as saying that any agreement was dependent on what happened with his club during the transfer window.
But McInnes was encouraged by his talks the with former Hamilton manager.
Speaking after Aberdeen's 1-0 Ladbrokes Premiership win over Hearts on Friday night, McInnes said: James will go down to Norwich and speak to them on Monday but I spoke with Alex and I spoke with the technical director at Norwich (Ricky Martin).
Obviously they have got to concentrate on getting a couple of results over the next few days but they see no reason why James can't continue his loan with us and I think that in itself is like a new signing.
James will have had a look at the league and he has had a look at his team-mates and I think he will be even better again in the second half of the season.
We haven't got it signed and sealed yet but we are more than hopeful given the conversations we have had with Norwich.''
Aberdeen have already begun their January transfer business by releasing defender Callum Morris - who failed to make a first-team appearance following an injury-hit pre-season - while midfielder Craig Storie is expected to join St Mirren on loan.
We will be trying to see what we can do,'' said McInnes, whose team were well worth their third consecutive victory, which came courtesy of Jonny Hayes' second-half strike.
It might be offset by one or two boys moving on that haven't had regular football.
When I've got a fully-fit squad as I've got just now, you wouldn't think there is too much need to do too much.
But it would be remiss of me not to look to see if there are one or two players out there that can maybe help us finish even stronger and give us more confidence going into the second half of the season.''