DONS boss Derek McInnes today insisted he aims to retain Ryan Jack, despite reported interest from Italian Serie A giants.

Italian agent Ivan Reggiani said Roma and Napoli have both been monitoring the 22-year-old Dons midfielder.

Roma are second in the Italian top flight with Napoli, managed by former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez, in third.

McInnes has already opened contract talks with Aberdonian Jack who has 18 months left on his Dons deal.

And he insisted Jack, SPFL Premiership Player of the Month for December, is pivotal in his bid to bring sustained success to Pittodrie.

McInnes said: “I have no doubt the players I have here have been mentioned in lots of different places.

“It would be naive not to think that’s the case.

“Ryan has rightly been getting a lot of spotlight put on him.

“However, his performances have been no different to last season.

“He is a top professional and a top player who will go on to have a great career.

“Ryan is so important to me and pivotal to what we do and in our bid to be successful.”