Dons vow to block any bid for McLean
ABERDEEN are ready to stonewall all bids for Kenny McLean as Rangers prepare to make a move for the coveted midfielder.
Ibrox boss Pedro Caixinha is a big admirer of the 25-year-old and, with his efforts to land Norwich City’s Graham Dorrans in doubt, wants to add McLean’s energy to his midfield.
Rangers have intimated their intention to bid for the 25-year-old, who has also attracted interest from Birmingham City and Queens Park Rangers. However, Aberdeen have already warned he is not for sale as Derek McInnes seeks to remould his team for next season.
McLean is entering the final year of his contract but, having already lost captain Ryan Jack to Rangers on a free, the prospect of losing a second key player to the club who finished as the Dons’ closest Premiership rivals last season would be unpalatable.
McInnes recently rebuffed the chance to manage Sunderland and has been given assurances that, with £1million banked from the sale of Jonny Hayes to Celtic, the focus will now be on squad investment.
The Pittodrie chief is closing in on a deal for Hull City’s out-of-contract Scotland internationalist Shaun Maloney. Hull had looked favourites to retain the 34-year-old on a new one-year deal but Aberdeen are willing to trump that by doubling the length of their own offer.
McInnes has also been linked with moves for striker Stevie May, who previously worked under him at St Johnstone, and Fulham forward George Williams.
In addition to Jack and Hayes, Peter Pawlett, Ash Taylor and Niall McGinn have all departed Aberdeen since the end of the season, with Greg Tansey and Celtic loanee Ryan Christie the only arrivals.