Rangers were recently linked with a move for Hearts of Midlothian’s young fullback Aaron Hickey. It was believed that Rangers’ new Sporting Director Ross Wilson had a significant role to play in recommending the signing of Hickey. However, latest reports from Daily Record now suggests that the Gers will have to fight off competition for his signature as English club QPR are weighing up a £1.5m bid for him in January.
Former Rangers boss Mark Warburton currently manages QPR. Scouts from Loftus Road were present to see the fullback in action against the Gers. It is being said that Warburton sees Hickey as a sound investment even though he is just 17. Hickey’s current contract expires in 2021.
Rangers will be worried if they are keen on the fullback as interest from QPR is looking concrete as they are mulling over putting in a bid in January. Hickey shot into limelight last season when he appeared for the Jambos when he was only 16, and he has continued with his excellent work this season as well.
Manager Craig Levein had indicated that they are looking to get the defender on a new long term contract, but it remains to be seen now whether Hickey will stick in Scotland or move to greener pastures down south.
Why will Hickey be an excellent addition at Ibrox?
The 17-year-old is an attack-minded fullback and given the way Rangers tend to dominate most of their games; the youngster should suit the Gers’ gameplan well. The former Celtic youth product can fill in other positions as well including at right-back and even as a wide midfielder on either of the flanks.
Rangers currently have Borna Barisic as the first choice left-back. Jon Flanagan and Andy Halliday are backup options, but they aren’t natural left-backs. Therefore there is a case for Gerrard to go after the young fullback.
What now for Gerrard?
However, the manager recently indicated that they would use the January transfer market to ship away players until someone really pops up. We don’t see Rangers spending around £2m in January after their heavy spending in the summer where they brought the likes of Ryan Kent and Filip Helander for big money.
It remains to be seen now whether Hearts would allow him to leave in January now that he has become an integral part of the first team. If Hickey stays on then it would be good for Rangers as then they can target the defender in the summer of 2020.
