FRISCO – FC Dallas coach Schellas Hyndman denied there have been formal negotiations with potential bidders for Kenny Cooper.

"There's been concrete interest," said Hyndman in reference to foreign clubs' interest in the Jesuit graduate and FC Dallas' top goal scorer this season.

"Kenny is very important for this team. So we have not got in any negotiation or talk with anyone, but he is definitely someone we want to keep."

With the transfer window opening Tuesday, Hyndman's priority is to strengthen his team, not to lose players, especially top contributors this season.

Cooper, 23, has scored eight of the team's 19 goals and ranks fourth in MLS.

Cooper neither denied nor confirmed contact with European scouts who, according to Internet reports, came to watch him play at Pizza Hut Park the last couple of weeks. He made clear his commitment right now is with FC Dallas and MLS.

Should Cooper follow the many Americans who are becoming more attractive to European clubs, FC Dallas will lose its most prolific attacker.

Most recently, Jozy Altidore, 18, signed with the Spanish team Villarreal, reportedly for the largest deal for an American soccer player.

"He is our top goal scorer," midfielder Pablo Ricchetti said. "For us, it's important he stays, but we also have to think what he wants and what is convenient for him."

In search of another striker: Whether Cooper leaves or stays, Hyndman confirmed he's hoping to find a unique attacking player who can raise FC Dallas' level.

"We need a special forward," Hyndman said, "someone who is experienced and can hold the ball, somebody who can combine with players and can score goals."

Hyndman's wish list includes midfielders who can get behind people.

"But right now I think the number one piece would be that exceptional striker," said Hyndman.

MLS All Stars: The league will announce today the All-Stars First XI squad that will face England's West Ham United on July 24 at BMO field in Toronto.