James Maddison will ring in the new year at Norwich City.

City boss Alex Neil rejected speculation he had already sanctioned a longer term loan stay at Aberdeen, after an impressive spell at Pittodrie. Maddison is poised to report for duty back at his parent club next week, with Aberdeen's league game at Hearts on Friday evening their final one prior to the winter break in Scotland.

Neil revealed on Friday he had held talks with Dons' chief Derek McInnes but the attacking midfielder's short term future hinges on City's own work in next month's transfer window.

'I have spoken to Derek McInnes and to James' agent and dependent on what happens in the window will determine where James ends up,' said Neil, who confirmed the same applies to Harry Toffolo, currently on-loan at League One title contenders Scunthorpe. 'Until we decide what is the right thing we want to do with these guys then nothing will happen. Nothing has been done in regard to James' situation, nothing will be done unless it suits our purposes. Any talk right now we have extended the loan is nonsense. James will be back here Monday.'

McInnes indicated after his side's Friday night 1-0 win at Hearts he is confident of securing Maddison's services for the second part of the campaign.

'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),' he said. '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.'

Maddison could be needed at Norwich in the short term with Youssouf Mulumbu away on African Cup of Nations duty and Louis Thompson (pelvis) and Graham Dorrans (knee) both on the sidelines for upcoming matches.

'Graham has obviously damaged his medial knee ligament so he is going to be out a little while. We don't think he will need surgery,' said Neil. 'I would probably rule Louis out of both these next two games. With Jonny (Howson) suspended (at Brentford) thankfully we still have Youssouf in the building. I would have no qualms about using him.'