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Jonny Hayes: Linked with Dons switch
Inverness manager Terry Butcher remains optimistic he can persuade Jonny Hayes to stay at the club despite Aberdeen making their move for the talented winger.
Dons manager Craig Brown has signalled his intent to offer Hayes a deal when his contract expires at the end of the season.
The 24-year-old, who misses Wednesday's Clydesdale Bank Premier League visit of Dunfermline through suspension, has scored eight goals this season despite missing two months with a shoulder injury.
Butcher said: "I spoke with Jonny about that and Jonny is fine. He is very much focused on the last two games he can play.
"We have certainly spoken to his agent. He knows our position and what we're about.
"Perhaps there is unfinished business here he feels he needs to conclude before he moves away, which we would be delighted to accommodate.
"I must say Craig Brown has been very dignified and courteous by speaking to me first and telling me his intentions.
"I don't think other mangers and agents are quite as dignified as Craig, but that's football.
"We will certainly make our offer and we definitely want Jonny to stay.
"He's our vice-captain and we're not just looking at one year, we're looking at two years if we can.
"Jonny is settled here and enjoys it here. There are always clubs who can pay a bit more, we are well aware of that.
"But he has had three great years here and is very popular with the fans and players and staff."
Inverness can still go down if they lose all their games and other results between Dunfermline and Hibernian go against them.
Butcher said: "Contract talks have been on hold until the end of the season. We want to end the season in the SPL and look ahead to next year."
Butcher is still angry over George Salmond's decision to send Hayes off at Rugby Park.
The Irishman received his second booking when Caley Thistle were 2-1 up and Killie went on to win 4-3.
"Put this in perspective," Butcher said. "Jonny Hayes has been booked once before this season.
"That was at East End Park in the Scottish Cup against Dunfermline just after Richie Foran grabbed him by the throat. We all know what happened there.
"Jonny couldn't fight or tackle a fish supper, he is not renowned for his tackling.
"For him to get two yellow cards in a game is unheard of. It just shows you how easily the referee produced the yellow cards. Unfortunately it had a massive effect on the game.
"Although Jonny won't be there we have still got players that can fill in for him and want to do well.
"A point will definitely keep us up but we want to get three."
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