DEREK McInnes last night refused to rule out the possibility of Aberdeen selling Kenny McLean in January after the midfielder informed him he would not be signing a new contract at Pittodrie.

McInnes is hopeful McLean, who was linked with a move to Rangers during the summer, will stay with his club until his current deal expires at the end of the 2017/18 campaign.

However, he admitted the Ladbrokes Premiership club could cash in on the once-capped Scotland internationalist if they receive a decent offer for him in the January transfer window.

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“Kenny unfortunately has indicated that he is going to move on at the end of the season,” he said as he looked ahead to the league game against Celtic this evening.

“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. 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.”

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McInnes added: “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.”

Meanwhile, McInnes has admitted he is delighted at tying up Scott McKenna and Scott Wright on new contracts and is hopeful of securing Anthony O’Connor’s services.

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“We’re delighted with Wright and McKenna,” he said. “Both lads have given an indication of what their capabilities are and we feel they will be more prominent going forward. Hopefully, they can be big players for Aberdeen.

“We are encouraged by the conversation we had with Anthony O’Connor and hope we can get something agreed.”