According to a recent report from Daily Mail, Everton are keeping track of Hearts fullback Arron Hickey. The 17-year-old is also attracting interest from the likes of Manchester City, Southampton and Celtic. However, the report adds that Crystal Palace are leading the race for him at the moment.
At just 17, Hickey is a regular for his side in the Scottish Premiership. The youngster has made 30 appearances in all competitions for Hearts’ senior team and has contributed with one goal and an assist this season. Hickey is contracted to stay with the Jambos until 2021.
The Scottish club has asked their staff and players to take a 50 percent wage cut, and they are struggling financially at the moment. If Hearts can agree on a deal for Hickey, then it would give them some sort of respite. Hickey made his senior debut when he was just 16. Everton will need to show more intent as Palace are said to be leading the race for him.
What is Hickey capable of?
There must be something special in the player as he started to play for the senior side when he was just 16. With top clubs like Manchester City also interested, that is a testament to his talent.
Hickey is primarily a left-back, but he has filled in as a centre back and as a right midfielder for Hearts this campaign. The Scottish youngster is an attack-minded fullback as he is comfortable in carrying the ball forward. He can deliver threatening crosses. The left-back has also impressed with his defensive commitment, and he can be termed as a tough-tackling fullback.
He is unlikely to play in the senior team for Everton straightaway, and he will have to slog it out in the youth and developmental side to get chances. Moreover, the Toffees have an exciting fullback in Lucas Digne who is firmly the first choice option so Hickey will really have to work hard to get chances at the Merseyside club.
Should Everton go for him?
Hickey is being rated around £1.5m, and for that kind of price tag, he is certainly worth going after. The left-back has shown loads of potential even though his career has just begun. With more experience, he is expected to improve further, and the Toffees should undoubtedly consider going after him whenever the summer transfer window opens.
