ABERDEEN underlined their determination to push Celtic all the way in the race for the SPFL Premiership title with the signing of Kenny McLean from St Mirren.
The highly-rated midfielder, who was also wanted by Fleetwood Town and Rotherham United, signed a three-and-a-half year contract after moving from the Paisley club for a fee thought to be in the region of £275,000. McLean, who had been with St Mirren for the best part of a decade, has scored seven goals this season in an attacking role.
"I'm delighted we've managed to secure Kenny on a long term deal," said manager Derek McInnes. "He's a good young player who is still improving all the time and I think in our team he will go and show how good a player he can be. We've signed a good player to come and play with the good players already here and it's a real positive signing for us.
"I'd like to thank the Board and the Chairman for their support. I think this is the sort of signing that a club like Aberdeen should be making."
The player, a former Scotland under-21 international, was just as pleased to be making the move to Pittodrie. "Delighted to have signed for @Aberdeen FC, can't wait to get started!" he tweeted. "Like to thank all players, staff and fans @saintmirrenfc for some great years at the club and I wish them all the best."
McLean, 23, had signed a two-year deal with St Mirren last summer but in a statement the Paisley club revealed they had no choice but to let him move on following an "agreement" struck at that time.
"When Kenny signed a 2 year contract extension with the Club last summer he put his trust in St Mirren and agreements were made," it read. "St Mirren FC on receipt of the offer from Aberdeen FC have therefore honoured our side of the agreement as Kenny was keen to make this move. He kept his side of the agreement with his performances for the Club this season. We would like to thank Kenny for all of his efforts and wish him well at Aberdeen FC."
St Mirren moved to fill the void by signing Emmanuel Sonupe on loan from Tottenham Hotspur for the rest of the season. The 18 year-old winger is an England youth international.
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