McInnes admits there’s still a danger Cosgrove will be leaving Aberdeen

Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes is bracing himself for another bid to snatch star striker Sam Cosgrove.

The Englishman turned down a move to French Second Division side Guingamp despite the clubs agreeing a £2-million fee.

Other sides in England and abroad have been monitoring the 23-year-old.

McInnes said: “I think he’ll be on the radar of a lot of people and his name will have been discussed.

“There will be certain leagues that clubs target and there’s no doubt his name will be being discussed.

“England are just sorting out their promotion and relegation. There’s also an extension to the transfer window.

“I’m pretty sure we will be tested, but it’s got to be right for everybody.

“First and foremost is has to be an offer that’s right for the club.

“Sam didn’t feel this offer was right for him but next time round it might be different.

“We need to brace ourselves for that with any of our good players.”

McInnes came close to admitting that Cosgrove will have to leave in the near future. He said: “We know that this window and next is the best chance for us to maximise the potential of Sam because he’s got two seasons left of his deal.”

McInnes also revealed that he told Cosgrove to accept the Guingamp deal if he felt it was right financially and for his footballing future.

He went on: “I spoke to Sam and said: ‘Look, if it feels right for you and the finances are right, I think it’s a move you should take’.

“I don’t think it felt right for him financially, and I don’t think he sees France as his next step.

“Some might see it as a lack of ambition, but some will see it as a sign of confidence that he has a plan for himself.”

The Dons manager emphasised how important Cosgrove’s 44 goals in 87 games have been to his side.

However, he joked that his brother might have been filling his jersey at the start of the year.

He said: “He’s confident he can pick up where he left off.

“Well, not where he left off because I think he sent his brother back, Tam Cosgrove, in January!

“He has been a key player for me over the last 18 months and scored a brilliant amount of goals.

“It is up to us to try to keep our best players for as long as possible.

“But we understand that, if it is a strong offer, these things have to be looked at.”

Clyde midfielder Ray Grant has turned down a new contract at the club.

Grant – son of former Celtic and Scotland player, Peter – joined the Bully Wee from Norwich City in 2018.

Broadwood boss Danny Lennon said: “I’d like to thank Raymond for his contribution to the club, and we wish him every success as he looks to become a full-time player.”

Former St Johnstone and Middlesbrough midfielder, Danny Jardine, has joined Edinburgh City.

The League Two hopefuls have snapped up the 22-year-old after he spent the last two seasons at Stirling Albion.

The move reunites Jardine with City manager, James McDonaugh, after the pair worked together in the youth ranks at Hibs.

McDonaugh said: “I’ve known Danny since before he came in at Hibs. He is a versatile, attacking player, who I’m sure will flourish.”

Dundee United and Livingston played out a goal-less draw in a closed-doors match at Tannadice yesterday.

United’s Mark Connolly suffered a head knock, which held the game up for eight minutes.