Nicky Devlin close to Aberdeen transfer as Livingston skipper edges towards Pittodrie switch

Aberdeen are closing in on a deal to make Livingston skipper Nicky Devlin their first summer signing.

The right back is also wanted by Hearts but talks with the Dons are at an advanced stage over a switch that would see him move to Pittodrie at the end of his Lions' contract next month. Devlin has been a standout for Livi over the last few seasons and turned down a new deal in West Lothian earlier this year sparking interest from clubs on both sides of the border.

But Aberdeen are now at the front of the queue for the 29-year-old's signature and with just the finer details of a deal to be thrashed out he looks set to become Barry Robson ’s first summer acquisition. Devlin has been a mainstay for David Martindale ’s Lions over the last four years since moving back north of the border.

The former Walsall and Ayr United ace is in his fourth season with Livi and has made 144 appearances for the West Lothian club. But he knocked back a new deal at the Tony Macaroni Arena earlier this year with boss Martindale admitting last month his departure was “inevitable” and that he’d be keen to help him find the right club.

Martindale said: “I’m more than happy to vouch for Nicky. I think he’d be a fantastic addition to a few teams up here but it may appeal to him to go back down the road.”

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