Matty Kennedy: Aberdeen 'encouraged' to pursue talks with St Johnstone

St Johnstone's Matty Kennedy has signed a pre-contract with Aberdeen

Aberdeen have "had conversations" with St Johnstone with a view to signing winger Matty Kennedy in January.

Kennedy, 25, has already signed a pre-contract to move to Pittodrie in the summer on a three-year deal.

However, Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes - who also confirmed there is interest from New York Red Bulls in Sam Cosgrove - is keen to bring Kennedy north early.

"We've had enough encouragement from St Johnstone to maybe look do something," McInnes told BBC Scotland.

"There's been a couple of conversations but I'm always reluctant to speak too much. He's their player and these negotiations should be spoken about in private, but people know we've had a conversation, I can't deny that.

"But if there's a way of getting Matty here we'll do it, if not we'll wait until summer. He's a good player, we're delighted to get him, but he's not our player yet."

Belfast-born Kennedy, who started his career with Kilmarnock and had spells on loan at Tranmere Rovers, MK Dons and Hibernian after joining Everton, has scored five goals in 21 appearances this term.

No approach for Cosgrove

Meanwhile 21-goal striker Cosgrove, who scored the winner as Aberdeen eased past Dumbarton in the Scottish Cup, is on the radar of MLS side New York Red Bulls.

"I am led to believe that Sam has been watched by New York Red Bulls, I am led to believe he is a player of interest," said McInnes.

"There has been no offer or any conversations with our chairman. Wherever we anticipate offers they might well come in. I don't think the MLS is the next destination when Sam leaves Aberdeen.

"Until we get an offer, we can't talk about something that might not be there."