CREWE boss Dario Gradi is lining up a possible swoop for Scottish midfielder Burton O'Brien.

Rovers have given Alex permission to take the 21-year-old on a pre-season tour to Malta.

And, if the former St Mirren starlet makes enough of an impression, then he could secure a move to Gresty Road, initially on a season-long loan.

O'Brien, who still has two years to run on his current contract at Rovers, has been on the transfer list for the last 12 months but, despite attracting interest from a host of clubs, his inflated wage demands have previously proved to be a stumbling block.