Aberdeen train without McInnes as Rangers to make fresh approach for Dons boss

Rangers will make a fresh move for Derek McInnes after seeing their first attempt knocked back by Aberdeen.

It’s understood the Ibrox club remain committed to appointing the 46-year-old former Gers midfielder as Pedro Caixinha's successor.

The Pittodrie chief claimed last week he had been given an assurance from his manager that his future remained in the Granite City.

It 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.”

After Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Gers - the second loss his team has suffered against the Ibrox team in the space of five days - McInnes admitted his annoyance that speculation linking him to the Govan vacancy had been allowed to “drag on and on”.

And they plan to make a second attempt to lure him back to Glasgow, perhaps as early as Wednesday.

Milne is now determined to ensure he does not lose him to the club who present the biggest threat to Aberdeen's prospects of clinching second place for the fourth season running.

McInnes, though, will hope the matter can be resolved one way or another.

McInnes is reported to have an £800,000 release clause written into his Dons deal but Gers did not even get as far as making an offer of compensation before seeing their opening request to hold talks with the former St Johnstone and Bristol City boss rejected by Dons chairman Stewart Milne on Tuesday night.

In a terse statement released shortly after 7pm on Tuesday, Aberdeen confirmed they had finally been contacted by Rangers after six weeks of rumour and speculation following Caixinha's sacking.

The team trained without McInnes this morning, who was due to meet with Chairman Stewart Milne for talks.

The protracted recruitment process and associated rumour mill has frustrated the former St Johnstone and Bristol City boss.

• Northsound Sport