Crystal Palace centre-back Jake O’Brien, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Swindon Town is being linked with a move to League One club Barnsley.

Sun journalist Alan Nixon has said that the Tykes are planning to make a move for the Republic of Ireland under 21 international during this summer window in order to bolster their defensive options.

Swindon Head Coach Scott Lindsey had previously hinted that he would be interested in seeing O’Brien return to the County Ground this season but those hopes look to be dashed by the League One club’s interest.

Following drawing his parent club Crystal Palace in the Papa John’s Trophy, who will visit the County Ground on 30th August, Lindsey suggested that O’Brien could be in either dressing room that evening.

Lindsey said to BBC Wiltshire: “He potentially could come back or he could potentially be playing against us.

“Jake [O’Brien] was great, I loved working with him. He is a real solid character, great centre half and will have a great future.

“I would love to have him in my team as opposed to against us and he may be doing either that night, I don’t know.”

O’Brien joined Swindon in January to replace Romoney Crichlow following his recall by Huddersfield Town and would go on to make 16 starts during Town’s run to the play-offs and was at the centre of the controversy following the penalties defeat to Port Vale as he was attacked by the home support.

The former Cork City man would become new Barnsley manager Michael Duff’s fifth signing at Oakwell since joining from Cheltenham in June as he looks to sure up the defence of the side who were relegated for the Championship last season.

The defender is for now preparing for the new season with the Crystal Palace first team and even scored in the Eagles’ 5-4 pre-season win over Millwall having replaced England international Marc Guehi at half-time.