Skip to content

Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes tells Cardiff to 'be serious' if they want Jonny Hayes

Jonny Hayes (3rd left) celebrates his goal against Bunyodkor
Image: Jonny Hayes (3rd left) celebrates his goal against Bunyodkor

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes is confident he will be able to hold on to Jonny Hayes - unless Cardiff City are prepared to be "serious" with their interest.

Aberdeen have already rejected a reported £500,000 bid from the Sky Bet Championship club for the Republic of Ireland international and Mcinnes has no intention of letting the winger go without a fight.

Half price Sky Sports
Half price Sky Sports

Upgrade to Sky Sports now and get 9 months half price. Hurry, offer ends January 16th!

He told the Evening Express: "Like anyone, it’s flattering (for Hayes) to be linked with a good Championship club.

“But we’ve created an environment here which is going to be a wrench for any player to leave.

“When there’s interest, it’s only natural to have your head turned a bit but Jonny accepts he has work to do with us and that’s how it has to stay until we decide."

Hayes was involved with the Dons on their mid-winter break in Dubai and scored the opener in the 2-1 win over Uzbekistani side Bunyodkor on Sunday.

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes insists his side won't be disadvantaged by the flight delay they experienced on Wednesday
Image: McInnes does not want to lose any of his squad in the January window

McInnes said: “He seems fine and you saw him in the game. He’s neither up nor down, scored the goal and worked his shift. He understood our rejection of the offer. He accepts we were within our rights.

Also See:

“He’s a good boy and you want the best for him, so that’s why we say be serious to anyone who is interested. If not, leave the boy alone and let him get on with his football.

“It’s important Jonny just knuckles down and for us to, hopefully, get through January with no-one leaving.”

Upgrade to Sky Sports now and get 9 months half price. Hurry, offer ends January 16th!