Manchester City preparing £1.5m bid for Hearts youngster Aaron Hickey?

Manchester City are reportedly considering whether to step up their pursuit of Hearts defender Aaron Hickey.

Despite being just 17 years old, Hickey has already established himself as a member of the Scottish side's first team, making a total of 15 appearances in all competitions.

The teenager's emergence has led to interest from south of the border, including from Premier League champions City, who are keen to increase their amount of homegrown talent with the potential to make the step up into the senior ranks.

According to the Daily Mail, City are contemplating whether to make a £1.5m bid for the youngster during the January transfer window.

The report adds that the North-West giants are willing to allow Hickey to spend the rest of the campaign on loan at his current club.

Southampton have also been linked with a move for Hickey in the past.