Transfer latest: Aberdeen will refuse to sell Kenny McLean to Rangers, second Nottingham Forest bid for Tavernier expected

ABERDEEN will not sell star man Kenny McLean to Rangers.

And the Ibrox club are unlikely to allow James Tavernier to join up with former boss Mark Warburton at Nottingham Forest.

Those were just two of the attempted transfer moves bubbling away in Scottish football last night.

Gers boss Pedro Caixinha is keen to plunder the Dons for a second time this summer, and is reported to have tabled a bid for McLean.

However, Aberdeen will point-blank refuse to entertain offers from Ibrox for their midfielder, who is also on Birmingham City’s radar.

The loss of former captain Ryan Jack to the Gers this summer was a bitter blow for the Dons.

With Jonny Hayes and Niall McGinn also gone, McLean has been earmarked for a key role this season.

His fine form may yet see him move away from Pittodrie before the transfer window closes.

But it is understood there is a determination within the Dons camp that his destination will not be Rangers.

Reds gaffer Derek McInnes has been rewarded for turning down a move to Sunderland with an increased budget for the coming season.

As a result, should Birmingham City test the Dons’ resolve over McLean, a significant seven-figure fee will be demanded before a move will be greenlit.

Mark Warburton could test his old club’s resolve after being rebuffed in his first attempt to sign Tavernier.

He brought Tavernier to the Light Blues two years ago from Wigan Athletic and he was a stand-out as Rangers romped to the Championship title.

It is understood that Tavernier is one of the players that Caixinha wants to offload this summer and Forest’s Championship rivals, Preston, were reportedly interested in him and colleague Rob Kiernan.

That prompted Warburton to move for Tavernier but he has been told that the player is not available.

A second bid is expected if Rangers opt to cash in on the full-back.

Meanwhile, Aberdeen remain hopeful of convincing Shaun Maloney to sign for the coming campaign.

Hull City have offered the Scotland star a one-year contract extension, but the Pittodrie club are determined to get their man and are willing to sanction a two-year deal.

The Dons cannot compete with City in terms of wages, but it is hoped the security of an extra year will sway Maloney to join his home town team.

Hearts hope to push Aberdeen this year in the battle for second place – and could be boosted by the arrival of Kyle Lafferty.

The former Rangers star met Jam Tarts head coach Ian Cathro, assistant Austin MacPhee and owner Ann Budge at Tynecastle on Friday to discuss a move.

Having been freed by Norwich City at the end of the season, Lafferty is at the top of Hearts’ summer wish list.

However, no deal has yet been agreed, with the player understood to have asked for time to reach a decision.

Finally, former Scotland winger George Boyd is set for a move after rejecting the offer of a new one-year deal at Burnley.

The 31-year-old’s contract at Turf Moor expires on Friday and he has no intention of staying, despite starting 34 games for Sean Dyche’s side last season.

Aston Villa and Derby County are interested in signing the player.