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Chelsea learn price tag of new left-back target but must move quickly as rivals lodge bid
Chelsea are monitoring Hearts left-back Aaron Hickey but face competition from Lazio among a host of other top European clubs.
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Chelsea are reportedly in the hunt for Aaron Hickey but need to move quickly if they're going to beat Lazio to the teenager's signature. The Blues are keen to strengthen their youth options for the future and have identified the 18-year-old left-back as one to watch following his performances in the Scottish Premiership.
Hickey has been a fixture in the Hearts starting XI, making 30 appearances across all competitions in a breakthrough campaign.
Chelsea are believed to be one of seven clubs monitoring the defender, who is entering the final 12 months of his contract at Tynecastle.
And the Blues may be able to sign Hickey for a cheap fee after reports the youngster has a relegation clause in his contract.
However, they will have to move quickly after Lazio supposedly made a proposal to the Scottish side.
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La Lazio Siamo Noi report that the Serie A giants have established contact with Hickey's agent and made an offer close to €100,000 (£89,000).
Hearts are likely to want more for a player they consider to be one of their prized assets, but their relegation from the Scottish top tier could leave them high and dry.
The Jambos have not yet confirmed the existence of this release clause and are currently working to overturn their demotion to the Championship.
The Edinburgh outfit were bottom of the table when the Scottish Premiership season was curtailed due to the coronavirus crisis.
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Hearts owner Ann Budge is pushing for a league reconstruction and has proposed a plan for three divisions of 14 teams, with all 42 clubs asked to vote on their preference.
The motion requires a 75 per cent majority across the league to be passed, with a meeting due to be held on Wednesday morning.
Hearts and Partick Thistle would both be saved from relegation if this move took place, although it remains unlikely that their rivals would agree to such a measure.
It is estimated that Hearts would lose £3million due to relegation, meaning a number of senior players wold have to be sold to balance the books.
The latest report suggests Hickey's former club Celtic will receive 30 per cent of any transfer fee paid this summer, meaning Hearts are even more desperate to extract a large sum.
However, the versatile left-back is expected to leave for a minimal cost after Hearts failed to tie him down to a long-term deal.
Celtic, Bayern Munich, AC Milan, Manchester City and Crystal Palace have all been credited with interest in Hickey, but Chelsea are considered Lazio's main rivals for his signature.
Blues manager Frank Lampard wants to develop a core of British players at Stamford Bridge and the development of youth stars such as Tammy Abraham, Mason Mount, Reece James and Billy Gilmour makes a move down south an attractive prospect.