According to The Daily Mail, Everton, Celtic and Southampton have watched Heart of Midlothian defender Aaron Hickey this season.

The report has claimed that Manchester City have also scouted the 17-year-old Hearts defender.

However, according to the report, it is Crystal Palace who are leading the race for the Scotland Under-17 international.

The report has added that Palace are monitoring the development at Hearts, who have asked their players to take a 50% pay-cut due to the club being adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Stats

Hickey has made 22 appearances in the Scottish Premiership for Hearts so far this season, scoring one goal in the process, according to WhoScored.

The teenager also made one appearance in the Scottish Cup and thrice in the Scottish League Cup for the Jambos, according to WhoScored.

Premier League move

Hickey is only 17 years of age, but the defender is very talented and already has experience of playing first-team football for a big club at a very high level.

If Hearts get relegated to the Scottish Championship at the end of the season, then they may be forced into selling some of their best players, and they could be open to an exit for the defender for a sizeable transfer fee.