JIMMY CALDERWOOD admits the loss of Kenny McLean to Rangers would be another body blow to Aberdeen ahead of the new campaign.

SportTimes revealed on Saturday that the Light Blues had stepped up their interest in the midfielder as boss Pedro Caixinha targets further reinforcements this summer.

The Portuguese has already snapped up former Dons skipper Ryan Jack on a three-year deal and he is in line to make his debut against Progres Niederkorn on Thursday night.

Read more: Ryan Jack will relish his first taste of Ibrox as a Rangers player, says former boss Jimmy Calderwood

Forwards Niall McGinn and Jonny Hayes have also left Pittodrie and former Reds boss Calderwood knows Derek McInnes will be determined to hold onto McLean in the coming weeks.

He told SportTimes: “There is talk about Kenny McLean going to Rangers as well and it is so difficult for Aberdeen.

“They have done brilliantly in the last couple of years. After a short break, you are coming back in and before you know it you are into European games.

Read more: Ryan Jack will relish his first taste of Ibrox as a Rangers player, says former boss Jimmy Calderwood

“It is really difficult, and even more so after losing Ryan Jack and Jonny Hayes, and Niall McGinn as well. If they lose McLean to Rangers as well, that is hard to take for the supporters there.

“It’s not easy for the manager either. He will have been looking forward to pre-season and before you know it you could lose four of your best players are out the door.

“No disrespect to Aberdeen, because it is a fantastic club with a great chairman, but it is difficult when Rangers, or Celtic, come calling.

“You can’t really do too much. All you can do is try and get as much money as you can and then look to get another gem because that is something they are good at there.”