Miller's (Maybe) Crossing

Last updated : 29 August 2006 By Stand Free Ed
ABERDEEN are set to swoop for a Dundee United striker just before the transfer window shuts for the second year running.

Long-term Dons target Lee Miller is reported to be ready to move north to rescue his career just as last year's deadline day capture Stevie Crawford heads out the Pittodrie door.

Scotland international striker Miller was subject to prolonged negotiations with the club last season before Dons Legend and Director of Football Willie Miller pulled the plug.

Miller then signed for United where he was far less successful than during his six-month loan spell at Hearts in early 2005, scoring 8 goals in 42 appearances for the Arabs compared to a goal every other game for Hearts.

Dons Chairman Stewart Milne has already told Jimmy Calderwood that no money is available for transfer fees, so the boss will have to relinquish one of his team to get a new face in.

The Dons are already on the verge of swapping top scorer Crawford for Dunfermline captain Greg Shields and reports suggest that marauding full-back Richie Byrne could be sacrificed in order to get Miller in.

Calderwood told the Evening Express: "If Crawford goes I would like to get another striker because we are already short of experience in that department."

He added in the Record: "Steve Lovell is out for a couple of weeks at least and I'd like to bring in another striker.

"The board has done everything possible but the budget has now been spent. A lot of wheeling and dealing will need to be done."