Rangers target Kenny McLean will be leaving Aberdeen in 2018.
Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes has revealed to the Glasgow Evening Times that the club could be open to selling midfielder Kenny McLean in January if a good enough offer arrives.
McLean, 25, made his name with St Mirren, notching 24 goals in 152 games to earn a February 2015 move to Aberdeen, where he has continued to impress.
The midfielder has notched 16 goals in 126 appearances for the Pittodrie club, whilst he even earned his first Scotland cap last year off the back of his performances for Aberdeen.
McLean’s performances for Aberdeen have attracted interest, and rivals Rangers made a move to sign him over the summer – as reported by the Daily Record – but failed to tempt Aberdeen into a sale.
The situation may have been difficult for McLean, who grew up supporting Rangers, but it was also tough for Aberdeen, who turned down cash despite knowing that McLean could leave for nothing in 2018.
McLean’s contract expires at the end of the season, meaning he can either pen a pre-contract agreement with another team in January, or merely wait until his deal runs out so he can assess his options at the end of the season.
Now, Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes has revealed to the Glasgow Evening Times that McLean has told the club that he intends to move on when his deal ends in 2018, with Rangers appearing to be the most likely destination.
However, the Gers have now been given hope of a January deal, as McInnes has suggested that, whilst he is planning to have McLean available for the rest of the season, Aberdeen could sell in January if they receive a good enough offer – and Rangers should be planning their move off the back of those comments.
“Kenny unfortunately has indicated that he is going to move on at the end of the season,” said McInnes. “I have been pushing for an answer to find out exactly where he is with it and, while it wasn’t the answer I was hoping for, I totally respect it and feel grateful for the fact he has made that decision early. It helps me plan for life without Kenny here.”
“That’s football. His contract is up, he is quite within his rights to go and look at something different and I respect that. While I am disappointed he has come to that decision, I am still looking forward to working with him for the rest of the season. I have it in my head I am working with him for the rest of the season. But like everything else we can only control things until then. If we get an offer in January then it may well be something we would consider.”
“But I am thinking I have Kenny to work with until the end of the season. I am not thinking of replacing him in January. But, again, if we are made an offer it would be considered like everything else. We have considered previous offers before and it wasn’t in our interests to do anything. That may well be different in January,” he added.
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