Newcastle United sent scouts north of the border to watch Hearts full-back Aaron Hickey over the weekend, according to The Scottish Sun.
The 17-year-old defender has impressed for the Edinburgh-based side this season, making eight appearances in the Scottish Premiership and scoring once.
The Toon Army were also joined by Premier League rivals Arsenal, Liverpool, Southampton, Norwich City, Aston Villa, and Crystal Palace.
The report also suggests that Rangers and Manchester City are keen on the starlet.
OPINION
A player of Hickey’s potential is always going to attract interest, so it makes sense that Newcastle would be interested in signing him. After all, Mike Ashley’s MO when it comes to transfer policy is to buy players under the age of 25 with high resale prospects. Hickey fits both of those categories and then some. To be first choice full-back in a Scottish Premiership side before he can legally drink is some achievement, and if he continues on his current trajectory, he is sure to become a fully fledged Scotland international sooner rather than later. Make no mistake, landing him would be a coup, and you can’t help wondering if United actually have that kind of pulling power and ambition in their locker, but stranger things have happened, and a couple of decent scouting missions is certainly a good start.
