Bayern Munich join Chelsea, Lazio and Celtic in battle to sign Hearts prospect Aaron Hickey 

Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich have joined the list of clubs pursuing Hearts defender Aaron Hickey.

Chelsea, Lazio and Celtic are also interested in the highly-rated Tynecastle left-back, who turns 18 on Wednesday. Manchester City, Crystal Palace and AC Milan have been linked with the teenager as well.

Hearts have yet to receive a formal offer for the talented teenager. But Sportsmail understands that a number of major clubs from across Europe are now monitoring the Scotland youth international’s situation as the Gorgie outfit face up to relegation from the top flight.

Bayern Munich have joined the growing list of clubs interested in Hearts starlet Aaron Hickey

Bayern Munich have joined the growing list of clubs interested in Hearts starlet Aaron Hickey

Entering the final year of his deal, Hickey’s departure from the Edinburgh club now looks inevitable – even if proposed league reconstruction was to offer a Premiership safety net for his current employers.

Championship clubs have already communicated to the SPFL by email their rejection of Hearts owner Ann Budge’s plan for three leagues of 14.

All 42 clubs have been asked for their views on Budge’s proposal, which requires a 75 per cent majority across the leagues if it is to to be voted through, before 5pm on Tuesday.

The plan, which would save both Hearts and Partick Thistle from relegation, stands little chance of success despite a new proposal from Rangers to amend it to 14-14-18 via the addition of Old Firm colt teams to an enlarged lower division.

Since the onset of coronavirus, and its curtailment of the football season, Budge has already taken measures to slash the wages of key performers at the Tynecastle club.

The talented young defender is also being targeted by the likes of Chelsea, Lazio and Celtic

The talented young defender is also being targeted by the likes of Chelsea, Lazio and Celtic

Hickey was spared any cut to his monthly pay but, with Hearts facing a £3million black hole if they drop down to the Championship, the full-back is set to lead the exodus of first-team performers when all challenges are exhausted.

Celtic previously had Hickey on their books and remain admirers of the Glasgow-born youngster.

Lazio also watched him before the lockdown while Bayern Munich – who signed Celtic’s teenage defender Liam Morrison last year – have also joined Chelsea in assessing his progress.

Leave a Reply