Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Aberdeen exit appears likely
RANGERS target Derek McInnes appears to have taken a major step towards his Aberdeen exit after holding showdown talks with Pittodrie chief Stewart Milne.
The Dons boss and his assistant Tony Docherty did not take their team’s training session yesterday morning and instead headed for a face-to-face meeting with Milne after the Reds chairman rejected Rangers’ request to speak to McInnes.
The I brox club finally made it clear they want the 46-year-old to be Pedro Caixinha’s replacement at the helm after six weeks of rumour and speculation.
But their opening approach was immediately knocked back, with t he Dons saying on Tuesday night “permission has been refused”.
It now appears the ball is in McInnes’ cour t, with reports suggesting he may have to consider resigning from his Pittodrie post in order to force through a move to his boyhood heroes, who he served as a player between 1995 and 2000.
Rangers decided to wait until l ast week’s doubleheader with the Reds was out of the way before making their move.
The Dons lost both clashes to their arch rivals and now face a huge fixture at Dundee tomorrow night as they l ook to reclaim second spot in the Premiership from the Gers.
The disruption caused by McInnes’ constant links with the Rangers vacancy has frustrated and angered both the Dons boss and his chairman.
And Milne’s patience will be tested f urther after preparation for the Dens Park showdown was left in the hands of first-team coach Barry Robson and U/20s boss Paul Sheerin yesterday.
Rangers will need to pay a fee in the region of £1 million t o l ure both McInnes and Docherty.
But Ibrox insiders insist the two clubs have yet to even discuss compensation figures.
A Rangers source said: “This whole matter is now in Aberdeen’s hands. Rangers have made their move but they now just have to wait and see what happens.
“The outcome of Derek’s meeting with the chairman up there will decide the next move.”