As reported by The Daily Record, Aberdeen have given Rangers a firm rebuttal in their quest to sign Dons midfielder Kenny McLean this summer.

What's the word?

Having made almost a full team of signings already this pre-season, Pedro Caixinha continues to dominate the transfer window in Scotland and he's eager to wrap up a deal for one the Scottish Premiership's most consistent midfielders.

The Daily Record say that the Ibrox side notified the Pittodrie hierarchy that they were planning a bid for Kenny McLean.

However, the report also states that the Dons have said he is categorically not for sale, even though he only has 12 months left on his contract at the club.

After already losing their captain Ryan Jack to the Light Blues and Jonny Hayes to Celtic this summer, it's clear that Aberdeen are desperate to make sure that no more make the switch to Glasgow.

Worth pursuing?

Of course, there's every chance that Rangers don't heed Aberdeen's hands off warning and continue in their bid to bring McLean to Ibrox.

He'd certainly add something to Pedro Caixinha's first team alongside the likes of Ryan Jack and Carlos Pena. Having made over 100 appearances in three seasons at Pittodrie, he's emerged as one of the division's best in the position, certainly outside of Celtic.

With a class first touch, excellent vision and a desire to impact the game in the final third, he could become a fan favourite at Rangers.

That's why Aberdeen will want to hold onto him though and even if it means he eventually leaves on a free, it could be worth it to stop Rangers' attempt to destabilise them further this summer.