Kyle is out of contract with Kilmarnock in the summer

Aberdeen manager Mark McGhee is likely to make Kilmarnock striker Kevin Kyle one of his main summer signing targets.

McGhee failed with a bid to land Kyle in the January transfer window but is set to try again at the end of the season when Kyle's contract is up.

Kyle, 28, has scored 15 goals since joining Killie from Coventry in 2009 on an 18-month deal.

Hearts manager Jim Jefferies, who coached Kyle at Rugby Park, could also be interested in a move for the player.

Kyle returns from a two-match suspension for Saturday's visit to St Mirren, with Killie just a point off the bottom of the table.

McGhee is desperate to overhaul his squad during the summer, with only 12 first-team players under contract for next season.

"We need a bigger squad as we cannot go with the numbers we have," he said.

"We need to strengthen certain positions which are vital to us.

"We need to have suitable replacements if something goes wrong and we lose players to long-term injury - as was the case with Andrew Considine.

"We are looking for a centre forward who can hold the ball up and play alongside Darren Mackie, Michael Paton, Chris Maguire, or whoever.

"I am looking forward now to next season. We have discussed running with 18 players, with the squad bolstered by the young players, but we need to look at things and see if we can squeeze a bit more."

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