Aaron Hickey is very much a player in demand with a host of European super clubs looking to persuade the youngster to leave ill-fated Hearts, but Celtic remain in a solid position to sign the full-back.
Speaking to Football Insider, former Aberdeen striker, Noel Whelan, has backed the Hoops efforts to sign the talented youngster with the Tynecastle side facing the drop.
So what has Whelan said?
When asked about the speculation linking Hickey with a move to Parkhead, the former Premier League striker said:
“17-years-old playing in the Scottish Premiership but he still has lots of growing to do.
“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.”
So is Whelan correct?
Hickey has a lot of potential but at the moment that’s all it is, he certainly wouldn’t get a game ahead of either Greg Taylor or Boli Bolingoli so would have to ask himself how much game time he would see at Parkhead if he made the move across the M8.
When a youngster has been used to playing week-in week-out, staying in the same country only to return to academy or development football is unlikely to prove to be an attractive proposition regardless of the status of the club or increase in pay packet, unless he was given reassurances over playing time.
Some of the clubs being linked with Hickey really is a who’s who of European football and although he would be nowhere near the first team at these clubs, he may see it as a better opportunity to develop his game.
There is a lot of hype around Hickey but unless Neil Lennon is making room for him, paying a decent transfer fee for a third choice left-back is not exactly the best use of funds, especially with the current financial climate.