DEREK McInnes will become the next Rangers manager if compensation is agreed with Aberdeen, according to former Ibrox striker Kris Boyd.

The Dons boss has been heavily linked with the vacancy since Pedro Caixinha was fired at the end of October and Sport Times understands that an approach will be made by the Light Blues this week.

Kilmarnock captain Boyd is in no doubt that the 46-year-old will accept a move to Glasgow if the two clubs reach an agreement over a fee, despite his decision to turn down Championship outfit Sunderland during the summer.

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He told BBC Scotland: "If Aberdeen agree compensation with Rangers, Derek McInnes will be the manager of Rangers Football Club.

"Everybody's got a price on them, everybody. He won't come cheap, we know that. It was the exact same with Sunderland."

Boyd added: "Derek has probably taken Aberdeen as far as he can possibly go. There's no doubt he needs to get out of Aberdeen one way or another.

"Derek is now in a position where he can't compete with the likes of Northampton and MK Dons to keep players there. How can he improve?

"He's already lost [Niall] McGinn, he's lost [Jonny] Hayes."

Aberdeen finished second in the Ladbrokes Premiership last season and as runners-up in the Scottish Cup and Betfred Cup.

Back-to-back defeats to Rangers last week saw the Gers leapfrog the Pittodrie side into second place on goal difference.