Manchester City are reportedly upping their efforts to sign Aaron Hickey, who has been linked with a move to Southampton in recent weeks.
According to claims from The Daily Mail, the Premier League champions have put together a lucrative proposal as they attempt to complete a deal for the 17-year-old.
City are believed to be keen on wrapping up a transfer worth £1.5 million for Hickey, who would proceed to rejoin Hearts on loan for the remainder of the season.
Craig Levein, the Scottish Premiership outfit’s manager, is reportedly intrigued by the prospect of this deal, with the 17-year-old a key part of his plans for the campaign ahead.
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Hickey is one of the brightest young prospects in Scotland right now, and ahead of the January transfer window, it seems clubs are stepping up their pursuits.
At 17, he has established himself as one of Hearts’ most impressive players and has turned in several mature displays at left-back since emerging on the first-team scene.
City’s approach seems lucrative; Hearts will not be left without a key man midway through the season and will have time to identify a replacement for Hickey.
However, with his best years well ahead of him, and in today’s market of exorbitant transfer fees, £1.5 million is arguably a considerably low offer.
As such, it would make sense for Saints to at least match City’s offer if they are, indeed, serious about their interest in Hickey.
Signing a new left-back soon will surely be on Ralph Hasenhuttl’s agenda. Ryan Bertrand is in his thirties, and Jake Vokins does not appear to be ready for the step up as of yet.
Hickey would perhaps be an exciting long-term option for the club, and he has already proven to be more than capable of stepping up to the physical demands of senior football.
