Kenny McLean set to leave Aberdeen at the end of the season

Derek McInnes has confirmed that Kenny McLean is likely to leave Aberdeen at the end of the current season.

Speaking to RedTV ahead of the Dons’ home match against Celtic tomorrow, McInnes said: “Kenny has indicated he’s leaving at the end of the season and I’m grateful he has been upfront.”

McInnes confirmed last month that he had opened talks with the 25-year-old midfielder and his team-mate Anthony O’Connor, saying: “I’m sure we will try to find a way to make both happen if possible.

“If we can’t then we will deal with it and move on.”

McLean joined the Pittodrie side from St Mirren in February 2015, agreeing a three-and-a-half-year deal.

He has so far made more than 120 appearances for the Dons, scoring 16 goals in all competitions.

The former Rangers youth player was linked with a return to Ibrox during the summer of 2017, along with Aberdeen team mate Ryan Jack, who eventually did make the move to Govan.

McInnes added: “Kenny’s been hugely influential and will continue to be a key player for the rest of the campaign. He’s loving his time here.

“We’re bursting for the [Celtic] game and it can’t come quick enough for us. It should be a great occasion.

“We’re confident that we have the players who can light up the game and we’ve beaten Celtic before, but we’ve had to play well.”

Speaking about O’Connor, McInnes added: “We’re talking to Anthony. I think he has been improving all the time and I’m keen to work with him going forward.”