‘Celtic are moving swiftly…’ – Exclusive: Hoops tipped to beat Man City to wonderkid signing
Noel Whelan is convinced Aaron Hickey would jump at the chance to join Celtic this summer ahead of the likes of Man City and Bayern Munich.
The former Leeds United and Aberdeen striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs, insisted both the 17-year-old and Hearts would find it difficult to turn down an offer from the Hoops.
Hickey was relegated in his breakthrough season at Tynecastle after the Scottish Premiership was curtailed last month.
The Daily Record claim Neil Lennon’s side face stiff competition for the full-back’s signature from Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Lazio, Manchester City, Crystal Palace and AC Milan.
Whelan suggested that the Scottish Premiership champions are moving quickly to get a deal over the line.
“17-years-old playing in the Scottish Premiership but he still has lots of growing to do,” he told Football Insider.
“Hearts have gone down so they need the money.
“A player that has broken into the team at such a young age will want to stay in the Scottish Premiership.
“Celtic are moving very swiftly to bring him in.
“Whether he starts is a different matter but he will certainly improve around the better quality of players he will play with and against – with Celtic playing in Europe. A hard one to turn down.
“Young full-back, could play for Celtic, just been relegated with Hearts – no brainer really. He has got to go and Celtic obviously see a young, quality player in this kid.”
Hickey, who will celebrate his 18th Birthday tomorrow, made 30 appearances during a difficult campaign for the Jambos.
The two-footed defender will likely be available for a nominal fee with Hearts having suffered relegation and just one year left on his current deal.
In other Celtic news, it can be REVEALED that lucrative deal has been lined up for defender after big development.