Southampton and Manchester City are both reportedly interested in Hearts youngster Aaron Hickey.
According to a report from The Scotsman, the promising left-back is a man in demand following his emergence on the first-team scene at his club.
Hearts are pushing to tie Hickey down to a new contract but will need to fend off interest from both Saints and City, who are noted as potential suitors for the 17-year-old.
The Scottish outfit appear to be confident that the defender will sign a new deal at Tynecastle, but interest from elsewhere could provide Hickey with some food for thought.
Read Southampton’s verdict
Southampton’s predicament at left-back has been bizarre throughout the opening stages of the season.
Ryan Bertrand is the club’s only senior option following the sale of Matt Targett in the summer, but Ralph Hasenhuttl has utilised the likes of Kevin Danso and Cedric Soares in the position at times.
Jake Vokins is a promising player who is coming through the youth academy, but it does not seem as though the boss deems him ready to compete on the first-team stage yet.
So, it comes as little surprise to hear of Saints’ apparent interest in Hickey, who has already tested himself on the senior footballing stage despite his tender years.
Hearts will be keen to keep hold of their exciting youngster, but a move to St Mary’s could be a perfect next step for him in his development.
