Dons will face battle to keep hold of striker

Aberdeen interim boss Peter Leven fears new manager Jimmy Thelin will face a battle in the summer to retain star striker Bojan Miovski.

Dutch giants Feyenoord are reportedly the latest club to target Miovski with the view to a possible summer swoop.

The 24-year-old goal hero is also being tracked by clubs in Germany, Spain, Italy and England.

Leven isn’t surprised clubs across Europe are taking notice as the striker has scored 24 times in all competitions this season.

The interim gaffer reckons Miovski could still hit the 30-goal mark before the campaign ends.

Miovski was named player of the year and players’ player of the year at the Dons’ annual awards ceremony this week.

He said: “Bojan is obviously going to get interest, he’s scored 24 goals this season.

“You saw the performance he put in last weekend against Celtic, with his work rate, hold-up play and terrifying defences. He scored his goal as well.

“There’s always going to be interest when you’re in form like that.”

North Macedonian international Miovski is contracted to Aberdeen until summer 2026.

Miovski is also understood to have admirers at Premiership leaders Celtic.

Defending Dutch topflight champions Feyenoord currently sit second in the Eredivisie and are guaranteed Champions League group stage football next season. Feyenoord won the Dutch Cup at the weekend with a 1-0 final defeat of NEC Nijmegen.

Aberdeen are in no rush to sell Miovski who Leven believes continues to improve at Pittodrie.

Leven said: “How far he goes will be up to Bojan. For me, he’s got everything. When I first came in last summer I didn’t realise how good he was and I think he’s kicked on this season.

“He’s got stronger, quicker and he’s more intelligent – then add in that he’s a natural finisher.”

Leven also addressed reports linking him to the vacant Barnsley managerial job.

The former Kilmarnock coach has impressed during his role as interim boss with the Dons undefeated in the last four Premiership games.

They also pushed Celtic to penalties in the Scottish Cup semi-final before being edged out 6-5 in the spot-kick shootout. That form has reportedly led to Leven moving on to the radar of the English League One side as they search for a new manager. They sacked Neill Collins earlier this week with the club pushing for the play-offs.

Leven says the link is flattering but he is committed to Aberdeen, where he will work with Thelin next season.

On the Barnsley link he said: “It’s nice to get that kind of recognition but I can always improve.

“I’m loving it here and I’m here next season with the new manager and staff coming in.”

Bojan Miovski scored against Celtic last weekend.