McInnes missed training along with assistant Tony Docherty on Wednesday and Thursday in order to hold crunch talks with Dons chairman Stewart Milne, with Under-20s coach Paul Sheerin put up for media duties earlier today.

But it has emerged that the former Rangers player, who spent five years at Ibrox, has decided to remain at Pittodrie.

Staying: Derek McInnes is going nowhere. Picture: SNS Group

In a statement published on the club website, Stewart Milne said: “As everyone is aware, Rangers made an approach on Tuesday evening and they were refused permission to speak with Derek.

“I spoke with Derek who felt it was a major thing to be considered for the managerial position at a club such as Rangers and we agreed that he could have some time to think about the approach and talk it through with his family.

“Over the past 48 hours, I have been in constant dialogue with Derek and having weighed up the opportunity, he has taken the decision to remain as Aberdeen FC manager.”

Milne also revealed that McInnes had indicated a desire to ‘keep driving the Dons forward’, adding: “This is where he wants to be and he feels he very much has unfinished business with Aberdeen.

“I personally am delighted that Derek has decided to remain and everyone looks forward to putting the speculation of the past few weeks behind us and concentrating on matters on the park starting at Dens Park tomorrow evening.”

McInnes said: “I’ve had a lot to consider over the last couple of days and I appreciate it’s been a testing time for everyone, including my family, and I’m pleased to be now totally focusing on purely on on-the-field matters.”

Derek McInnes to stay at Aberdeen after turning down Rangers