Mcinnes keen on Christie – but Mclean set to leave

Aberdeen manager Derek Mcinnes would like to bring Ryan Christie to Pittodrie permanently, if possible – but has resigned himself to losing Kenny Mclean.

Former Caley Thistle midfielder Christie has been a shining light during his loan spell from Celtic Park but, unless the parameters shift, he will be going back to Parkhead at the end of the season.

Mcinnes already knows Mclean does not want to sign a new contract and will leave for free in the summer. The Dons manager has no plans to convince Mclean to change his mind.

There have been no discussions at this stage with regards to Christie’s future and the player himself has spoken about his desire to get a season of football under his belt before deciding his next move.

Mcinnes said: “In an ideal world I’d love to keep working with him but it’s not something that’s been spoken about. Celtic and Ryan are in the driving seat with that.

“We’ve just got him for the remaining part of the campaign but if there was any encouragement that it would be a possibility it’s obviously something I’d be keen on. Whether it can be done or not I don’t know.”

The future of Mclean he is far more certain about. The former St Mirren midfielder – subject of a £300,000 bid from Rangers in the summer – is free to speak to other clubs now but both parties plan on him being at Pittodrie until the end of the season.

Mcinnes said: “We are preparing for life without Kenny.”