MANCHESTER CITY are poised to make a £1.5 million approach for Hearts youngster Aaron Hickey, according to reports.

The Premeir League champions are reportedly keen on making a January bid for the left-back, with a view to loaning him back to Tynecastle for the remainder of the season.

The Scottish Daily Mail (print edition) reckon that such an offer would be appealing to Hearts boss Craig Levein, who is keen to keep a hold of Hickey until the end of the season.

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The Mail are reporting that becuse of Hickey's age, if Man City were to complete a deal before Hickey turns 18 next year, he would qualify as a 'homegrown' player under the Premier League's registration rules when he reaches the age of 21.

Hickey's current deal expires at the end of next season, with Celtic due a 30% cut of any future transfer fee.

Levein revealed earlier this week that negotiations between the Tynecastle club and the player's father are currently ongoing, although no agreement has been met yet.