DEREK McInnes is set to miss Thursday's pre-match press conference as Rangers close in on a deal for the Aberdeen manager. 

The Ibrox side made their move to appoint the 46-year-old as their new boss this week ahead of Saturday's meeting with Ross County.

Aberdeen rebuffed the Light Blues' initial approach on Tuesday, but McInnes missed training yesterday to hold talks with Dons chairman Stewart Milne and will skip media duties today at 1pm as discussions continue. 

Read more: Rangers: Seven key areas for the next Ibrox boss to address

Under-20s boss Paul Sheerin is expected to appear in his place ahead of the Pittodrie side's Premiership clash with Dundee on Friday. 

Aberdeen were beaten twice in five days by Rangers last week and saw the Ibrox outfit leapfrog them into second place on goal difference.