Aberdeen are to begin talks with attacker Sone Aluko about extending his contract at Pittodrie, reports the . The 20-year-old Nigeria international's deal expires at the end of next season but Dons boss Mark McGhee is keen to secure his services for the long term.

McGhee, said: "Sone has more than a year of his contract left to run but we will be looking to extend it.

"I have already spoken to (director of football) Willie Miller about getting the ball rolling right away. Sone is a big part of the plans, although a lot of it depends on the new players coming in as well, because we have to balance the books in terms of the summer budget."

McGhee knows he has yet to see the best of the talismanic attacker this term. Aluko scored the Dons' second goal in their 2-1 victory against St Mirren on Saturday.

Aluko is gradually returning to form and fitness but McGhee knows the player's season, just like the club's, is close to being a write-off.

But he remains optimistic for the future. He said: "Sone is still nowhere near his best and he probably won't get there this season.

"He showed us glimpses of what he is capable of again on Saturday.

"We are going to get periods in games like that from now until the end of the season.

"He might only need half an hour but it might produce enough to win us the game.

"He can create a goal or grab one himself. I put a lot of stock on him this year and, unfortunately, it has not worked out as we hoped due to injuries.

"It takes time to recover fully from the problems he has had.

"I have gone through a double hernia myself and it is no fun. I have no doubt he will be back to his best for next season. It is a big year coming up for Sone.

"Even if he does not extend, he might be playing to try to earn himself a move elsewhere."