Rangers’ new sporting director Ross Wilson is already targeting Hearts left-back Aaron Hickey in the January transfer window, according to the Scottish Sun.

Wilson was reportedly tracking the 17-year-old when he was at his former club Southampton, and it believed that the Gers could be set to offer £2m for the teenager.

The Scottish side may face a challenge from EPL champions Manchester City, who also said to be interested in Hickey, while Hearts are also looking to tie the defender down to a new contract.

Negotiations between the player and the Edinburgh club are said to be ongoing. The fullback rose to prominence at the back end of last season with an excellent performance against Celtic in the Scottish Cup final.

This campaign, Hickey has made 12 starts in all competitions for Hearts. He is both-footed and has been employed as a right-back as well as a wingback by manager Craig Levein.