Jonny Hayes: Aberdeen reject second Cardiff City bid for winger

Aberdeen have turned down a second bid from Cardiff City for winger Jonny Hayes.

Last week's initial offer for the 29-year-old Republic of Ireland cap "fell way short" of the Dons' valuation.

"Cardiff came in with a second offer which was just structured differently from the first and was rejected," explained manager Derek McInnes.

"We've created an environment that makes it difficult for players to leave which is good."

Hayes is contracted at Pittodrie until May 2018, with McInnes saying: "Jonny is concentrating on Saturday's game [at home to Stranraer in the Scottish Cup]."

Since joining the Dons in 2012, he has helped Aberdeen win the Scottish League Cup in 2014 and finish as Scottish Premiership runners-up twice.

Dons boss Derek McInnes has told Cardiff City to "be serious" in their pursuit of Hayes

He started his career at Reading, moving on to Leicester City in 2007 before a switch to Inverness Caledonian Thistle two years later.

In more than 300 club appearances, Hayes has scored 51 goals - including 25 for Aberdeen.

At the weekend, McInnes told Cardiff to "be serious" in their pursuit of the winger.

Earlier this week, Wes Burns' loan from Bristol City was cut short.

The Wales Under-21 international forward scored once for Aberdeen in 21 appearances, 11 from the bench.

But McInnes remains upbeat on the prospect of 20-year-old midfielder James Maddison extending his loan stay.

"Norwich are waiting to see what happens before making a decision on James and I'm still confident he will return," he said.

Of potential recruits, McInnes added: "We have identified different options but there is certainly an area in the team that we feel would help us. Hopefully we can get some news on that next week."