Aberdenn manager Derek McInnes responds to Middlesbrough's interest in £4million star Sam Cosgrove

Cosgrove has enjoyed a spectacular start to the season in Scotland’s top flight – having netted 18 times for the Dons as he continues to draw admiring glances from south of the border.

Derby County and Stoke City are also believed to be keen on the former Wigan and Carlisle striker, who is thought to be valued at around the £4million mark.

And while naturally reluctant to lose his prize asset, McInnes admits that he could be powerless to stop the striker leaving if bids come in during the January transfer window.

He was, however, quick to point out that no conversations have yet taken place over Cosgrove.

“It’s no surprise if clubs like him but there has been no contact and no valuation put on Sam,” said McInnes, speaking to the Daily Record.

“There has been no conversation with any Championship club.

“If a bid gets put in for any of our players it’s up to our board to consider but from my conversations with the board we all know how important Sam is to us.

“If the right offer comes in for any of our players, they will be sold.

“But we want to make sure the right offers come in.

“We can’t do anything about that – all we can do is if the offer comes in be in a strong position to say yes or no.”