Burton Suits Jimmy

Last updated : 13 June 2008 By Stand Free Ed

JIMMY Calderwood could be set for an Owls swoop this summer by signing midfielder Burton O'Brien - with Barry Nicholson moving the other way.

The 27-year-old former Livingston player has parted company with Championship club Sheffield Wednesday and is looking to return north.

Dons boss Calderwood has been a long time admirer of O'Brien, having tried and failed to sign him previously (click here for story) - much like former target Richie Foran.

O'Brien said: "I know there was a bit of interest from Jimmy Calderwood before I moved to Sheffield Wednesday a few years ago.

"If he was to show an interest in me again, then I wouldn't rule out a move there, but I have left my agent to deal with things while I enjoy a summer break.

"When I come back I'll assess all the options on the table and make a decision from there."

O'Brien signed for Blackburn from St Mirren in 1999 with full-back David McNamee in a double deal worth £700,000.

The pair then signed for Livingston in 2002 before moving south again - and the two could be set to hook up at the Dons as McNamee, now at Coventry, has also been linked with a move to Pittodrie.

The right-back has been blighted with injuries, however it is thought that Jimmy Calderwood is considering a swoop for the defender if Alan Maybury turns down Aberdeen's latest contract offer.

Last month, Coventry gaffer Chris Coleman challenged McNamee to prove his fitness if he wants a new contract.

Coleman said: "I will be talking to David's agent and discuss the situation with him.

"His ability is not an issue but what is is his injury problem which kept him out for five or six months last season."

Meanwhile, the gap left by O'Brien at the Owls could be filled by Aberdeen's want-away midfielder Barry Nicholson.

The Dons midfielder is out of contract and was recently linked with a possible switch to Norwich City, but this week Wednesday manager Brian Laws announced he has been tracking the player.

Laws, who is understood to have several potential targets, has admitted to enquiring after Nicholson, but was quick to stress no offer had been made.

Ironically, the Dons first moved for O'Brien in 2005 when it seemed that Nicholson had turned his back on a switch to the Dons from Dunfermline. However, on that occasion Nicholson did eventually end up signing while O'Brien snubbed the Dons.