Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes has revealed midfielder Kenny McLean wants to leave the Pittodrie side next summer.

The 25-year-old's contract with the Dons expires at the end of the season, and the Scotland international has informed his manager early of his desire to test himself elsewhere next campaign.

The news of the Rangers youth product's impending departure from the north east is another blow to McInnes, who saw captain Ryan Jack depart for Ibrox last summer.

He said: "Unfortunately, Kenny McLean has indicated he is going to leave at the end of the season.

"I am totally fine with that, disappointed naturally, but grateful at the same time that Kenny and his agent have been honest enough to say that will be their intention."

He added: "When we signed Kenny, part of the pitch for him coming here was to develop him into a full Scotland internationalist by being a part of a successful team and period here.

"He's done that and has been part of a strong team. We want him to go out on a high and achieve everything he wants, hopefully he can be involved in the Scotland squads coming up.

"We wish Kenny well but for now his focus is on us and the rest of the season."

Having signed McLean for a fee of around £360,000 from St Mirren during the 2015 winter transfer window, McInnes says the Dons may consider bids for their want-away star this January to avoid the prospect of losing him on a free six months later.

McInnes said: "Kenny's performances will dictate whether someone wants to come in for him in January. He's certainly a player capable of attracting interest.

"He's been hugely influential on our team, even when he wasn't at his best at the start of the season his commitment to us has been clear.

"His running stats and high-intensity work has been, hands down, better than any other player."

He added: "Kenny will have a good future in the game, we're disappointed he won't be here a bit longer.

"If we get an offer in January we may, or may not, consider it. We control where he goes in January."

Meanwhile, the Dons boss revealed the club are close to tying Antony O'Connor down to a longer-term deal in the north east after positive talks with the defender.