Celtic will have to fight off four other clubs if they want to seal the transfer of Hearts fullback Aaron Hickey, according to reports in the English media.

The former Hoops academy graduate could well be offloaded due to Hearts’ financial situation with the Scottish side in need of cash to keep the club afloat.

Crystal Palace are reportedly leading the race for Hickey, but Celtic, Manchester City, Everton and Southampton are also said to be interested in the 17-year-old.

As things stand, though, no club have tabled an official bid for the left-back but that could soon change if Hearts actively look to sell the £1.5m rated defender.

Hickey moved from Celtic to Tynecastle on a free transfer in the summer of 2018, but there is a possibility he could make a swift return to Parkhead.

However, Hoops boss Neil Lennon does already have a number of left-backs at his disposal, with the likes of Boli Bolingoli, Greg Taylor and Jonny Hayes all in the first-team squad.