Aberdeen refuse permission for Rangers to speak with Derek McInnes

Derek McInnes is wanted by the Rangers hierarchy. Picture: SNS

Aberdeen have refused Rangers' request to speak with manager Derek McInnes, the Pittodrie club have revealed.

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The 46-year-old is the pick of the Rangers board to take over the vacant role at Ibrox following the sacking of Pedro Caixinha in October.

After weeks of speculation, they eventually made their move for the former midfielder on Tuesday, only to be knocked back by their Ladbrokes Premiership rivals.

Aberdeen released a one-sentence statement on the club’s official website, informing fans of the situation.

It read: “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.”