Derek McInnes knows Sam Cosgrove will be a man in demand when the transfer window opens.
But the Aberdeen boss insists that, as with Scott McKenna, the Pittodrie club are in no rush to cash in on their star striker.
Cosgrove was snapped up for just £25,000 from Carlisle United, and has repaid the Dons with 34 goals in the last 10 months.
It will now take more than 100-times what Aberdeen splashed out to prise the 22-year-old away.
And his manager, who has held on to another prize possession in Scott McKenna, despite big-money offers, insists none of his players will move in January unless the price is right.
“These things have got to suit everybody,” said McInnes.
“It’s got to be the right deal for Scott, and it’s got to be the right deal for us as we only get one shot at selling him.
“The deals that were put to us in the summer were 100% not right for us.
“If an offer comes for Cosgrove in January, it’s up to the club to look at it, the same as with any offer.
“But, for me, the improvement is going to continue for Sam, and the longer that we have him in an Aberdeen shirt, the better it’s going to be for us.”
Cosgrove’s soaring self-belief was highlighted by a stunning, chipped effort against Motherwell last week.
Said his manager: “That adds to his confidence, as it’s also about the way he carries himself.
“I played with No. 9s who you heard before you saw them in the dressing room. They bowled about the stadium and training ground with that ‘I’m-the-man’ attitude.
“Adam Rooney did it in a quiet way here, but he knew how important he was to us, and how much the fans loved him.
“I see Sam like that now. But there’s still work to be done, as there will be more scrutiny on him.
“To come from Carlisle reserves to be Aberdeen’s main striker, there is a lot that has to be done between that.
“But he has carried the mantle for us, and been a key player.
“I take confidence from his confidence now as he’s only going to get better.”
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