Both Southampton and Manchester City are being credited with an interest in the Hearts defender.
Southampton could rival Manchester City for the young Hearts left-back Aaron Hickey, according to the Scottish Sun.
The newspaper claims Manchester City are ‘tracking Hickey with a view to a £1.5 million January swoop’, after he came to the attention of Pep Guardiola during last season’s Scottish Cup final.
Now 17, the young Scot has established himself as Hearts’ first-choice in his position this season.
And Hickey’s list of admirers could begin to grow if his early form continues.
Manchester City are expected to loan the winger Ryotaro Meshino to Hearts before next week’s transfer deadline for Scottish clubs, which may give them the upper hand over rival Hickey suitors, such as Southampton.
But with City only said to want to add him to their development squad – after, potentially, loaning him back to Hearts – there is scope, perhaps, for Southampton to make a more appealing offer to the Scotland youth international.
Manchester City currently have three senior left-backs, Benjamin Mendy, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Angelino, whereas Southampton have two, Ryan Bertrand and Sam McQueen.
Would Hickey be a good addition for Manchester City / Southampton?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
