The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Rangers finally move for Aberdeen boss
TARGET: Dons refuse permission for McInnes to talk to Ibrox suitors
Aberdeen last night knocked back Rangers’ approach for manager Derek McInnes – but the Ibrox club are not ready to give up.
The Gers have made their 46-year-old former midfield servant their top target to replace Pedro Caixinha.
But while their first offer has been rejected by Reds chief Stewart Milne, it is believed Rangers will not be dissuaded and will make another attempt to lure McInnes back to Glasgow.
McInnes is reported to have an £800,000 release clause written into his Dons deal but it is understood the clubs have yet to discuss compensation terms.
What is clear is that Milne is determined not to lose his manager to his club’s main rivals for second place.
In a terse statement released shortly after 7pm, Aberdeen said: “Aberdeen Football Club has announced this evening that Rangers have contacted the club asking for permission to speak to Derek McInnes and that permission has been refused.”
Caixinha was sacked six weeks ago and Rangers finally made their move for McInnes two days after claiming their second win in a week over Aberdeen.
The protracted recruitment process and associated rumour mill has frustrated the former St Johnstone and Bristol City manager.
After Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at Pittodrie, McInnes admitted his annoyance that speculation linking him to the vacancy had been allowed to “drag on and on”.
Meanwhile, the Ibrox squad are readying themselves to prove they deserve to play a part in the club’s future, according to midfielder Jason Holt.
“It’s great to be back in the team playing every week and helping the boys,” he said as the Rangers players made their annual Christmas visit to the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow. “Graeme came in to help us all out and we’ve given him 100%.
“But as for a new manager, everyone will be playing to prove that they deserve to be in the team.”