BOSS Derek McInnes told Niall McGinn he would be welcomed back to Aberdeen with open arms should he want to return to Pittodrie.

After five years at the Granite City club the 30-year-old Northern Ireland winger left at the end of last season for what turned out to be a short spell with Gwangju in South Korea.

McGinn is now a free agent and Hibernian boss Neil Lennon has expressed an interest with Hearts and English League One club MK Dons and also reportedly keen.

Ahead of Aberdeen’s trip to St Johnstone tonight, McInnes told RedTV: “We have a recruitment meeting this week and we have an idea of what we would like to do in January.

“If Niall gives us any encouragement I would like to think that is something we may be able to do.

“I enjoyed working with Niall, he was fantastic for us and everybody would welcome him back with open arms if there was any willingness from Niall to be here.

“You never know. It will be Niall’s decision.”