Aberdeen midfielder Funso Ojo was unsurprised to learn New York Red Bulls have joined the race to join Sam Cosgrove.
The Dons striker took his tally for the season to 21 goals by converting a late penalty in his side’s 1-0 win against Dumbarton at Pittodrie on Saturday to earn his side a place in the last 16 of the Scottish Cup.
After the match, Derek McInnes confirmed MLS side New York Red Bulls are keeping close tabs on Cosgrove but Ojo hopes the Englishman will still be at Pittodrie when the transfer window closes at the end of the month.
He said: “Are they interested in him? That is the first time I have heard that. I told him he has 14 days to get himself in the picture.
“That is not going to work if he plays like he did in the first half against Dumbarton.
“He knows that and he knows how important it is. I told him in the first half that he is one of our key players and we needed him.
“Any other striker would have maybe come off at half time but we know what he can do for us. In the end he got the penalty and stroked it home.
“It is no surprise (to see clubs linked with Cosgrove). That is football nowadays.
“They look at the stats and his stats are great. Maybe he is ready for the next adventure in his career.”
Ojo joked: “I just think he is not going to be able to move if he has a ball and chain around his leg. He is not going anywhere!”
Meanwhile, Aberdeen have agreed a fee with Ross County for 18-year-old midfielder Mark Gallagher.
The Newcastle-born midfielder will undergo a medical at Pittodrie today.
McInnes also said the Dons made an attempt on Friday to sign St Johnstone winger Matty Kennedy ahead of the win against Dumbarton.
Kennedy has already signed a pre-contract agreement to join the Dons in the summer.