RANGERS were left furious with Derek McInnes after his eleventh hour decision to turn down the chance to become manager at Ibrox.
The 46-year-old brought an end to weeks of uncertainty over his future when he re-affirmed his commitment to Aberdeen on Thursday evening.
But a source close to the talks last night told Herald Sport how near McInnes had come to putting pen-to-paper on a three-year contract before his shock U-turn.
Read more: The sky is the limit for Ross McCrorie at Rangers - thanks to Ibrox caretaker manager Graeme Murty
It is understood behind the scenes discussions over a move took place after it was made clear to Rangers that McInnes would be interested in succeeding Pedro Caixinha as manager.
And we can reveal that McInnes was that close to the Ibrox dugout that he had already held conversations about the starting line-up for Saturday’s Premiership clash with Ross County after Ryan Jack lost his appeal against his red card from the win over Aberdeen.
As Herald Sport reported last week, Rangers believed it was the right thing to do to wait until after the second match of the double-header with the Dons last Sunday before submitting an official approach to chairman Stewart Milne.
Aberdeen released a statement on Tuesday evening saying they had rejected a request to speak to McInnes but we understand permission was then granted the following day.
Read more: Graeme Murty hopeful Rangers youngster Ross McCrorie can be tied up on a new long-term deal quickly
A £1million compensation deal for McInnes and assistant manager Tony Docherty was in place and Rangers were confident that they had their man after a six-week search.
It is believed that McInnes would have doubled his basic salary and that funds for both the January and summer transfer windows had been discussed as he got ready to start work alongside Director of Football Mark Allen.
Herald Sport understands it may even have been requested that the switch was delayed until next month but Rangers weren’t interested in that arrangement and the deal was put in place for McInnes to be confirmed as Caixinha’s successor.
But the former Gers midfielder then pulled out of the move and opted to remain in the North East before taking charge of the win over Dundee on Friday, a decision Rangers then said they ‘endorse’.
Read more: The sky is the limit for Ross McCrorie at Rangers - thanks to Ibrox caretaker manager Graeme Murty
Our source said: “Talks had been ongoing, as is always the case in these matters. It would be naïve to think otherwise.
“Everything was in place for Derek to become the next manager of Rangers. But he decided on Thursday that he didn’t want to complete the deal and that he will remain at Aberdeen.”
Interim boss Graeme Murty led his side to a 2-1 win over County on Saturday and will stay in charge for the remaining five games this month as the Ibrox board continue their search for a new manager.
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