Derek McInnes says Rangers have not approached Aberdeen for his services

Derek McInnes says he has not received an approach from Rangers regarding the managerial vacancy at Ibrox. Derek McInnes says he has not received an approach from Rangers regarding the managerial vacancy at Ibrox.

Derek McInnes says neither he nor Aberdeen have received an approach from Rangers about filling the managerial vacancy at Ibrox.

McInnes, who spent five years at Rangers as a player, remains the bookmakers favourite to replace Pedro Caixinha after the Portuguese was sacked after seven months in charge at Ibrox.

Sky Sports News understands that no Rangers appointment is likely before the start of next week at the earliest, with the club still drawing up a list of candidates for the role. No interviews have been conducted yet.

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes (left) with former Rangers manager Pedro Caixinha last season

Last week McInnes said he was "very happy" at Pittodrie and, again, he refused to be drawn on continued speculation at his news conference on Thursday, insisting he would rather discuss Scotland call-ups for Dons players Kenny McLean, Graeme Shinnie and Ryan Christie.

Asked if there had been an approach from Rangers, McInnes said: "No. Like I said at last week's press conference and after last week's game, before last week's game, my job is here. It's not to deal with speculation.

"I'd rather be speaking about the fact that we have three players in the Scotland squad, looking forward to that, the fact that we are only a point behind [Celtic] and we responded with a good result last week.

Highlights of the Scottish Premiership action from October 28, featuring Rangers' clash with Hearts Highlights of the Scottish Premiership action from October 28, featuring Rangers' clash with Hearts

"And we are here to talk about the Hamilton game, obviously, on Saturday, so the job is ongoing."

McInnes was offered the chance to take over at Sunderland in the summer but, after consideration, decided to stay at Aberdeen where he signed a contract extension.

Sunderland appointed Simon Grayson to the role instead but he was sacked after their 3-3 draw with Bolton on Tuesday and McInnes said he was sad to see another manager lose his job.

McInnes took over at Aberdeen in 2013

"I think it was really sad when you see Simon losing his job so quickly," he said. "You can see how these things happen, especially in England. I think Scotland is in danger of following suit the way a lot of English clubs are hiring and firing.

"As I said last week I think we have already lost a third of managers in the Scottish Premiership and we are not even into November."