Report: Hearts chair Ann Budge says Celtic haven’t contacted her this summer about Aaron Hickey

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Hearts chair Ann Budge has reportedly told BBC Scotland that Celtic haven’t approached the Jambos for Aaron Hickey this summer.

The BBC has said that Budge informed them that the Hoops have had a couple of offers rejected for Hickey in the past. However, despite heavy speculation over his future this summer, Celtic haven’t yet made a move in recent times.

Stephen McGowan of the Daily Mail previously said on Twitter that Hickey’s preferred choice was a £1.3million switch to Bologna.

And the BBC believe the only official approach so far has come from the Serie A outfit. Speaking to the media outlet, Budge said the following:

“I have now had one formal approach from a European club.

“I’ve made it clear to Aaron and his agent I don’t want him to go but if that is what the future holds for him then so be it. I think he is going to want to go somewhere.”

Hickey deal looking more and more unlikely

Every day there appears to be a new development involving the Hickey saga. So much so that it appears we’re in danger of forgetting what our main priorities should be this summer.

Whilst getting Hickey signed up for the long-term would be terrific, Celtic need to splash the cash on a proven left-back who can come in and immediately demand a place in the first-team. That isn’t the current Hearts full-back, as potential-filled as he is.

Calling Hickey a project wouldn’t be inaccurate. He doesn’t yet have the maturity required to overtake Greg Taylor, and that’s ultimately what we should be looking for first and foremost.

Celtic’s lack of a formal approach to Hearts also suggests this isn’t our biggest priority at the moment. However, despite the arrival of David Turnbull today, there aren’t many other targets that appear close to coming in the door.

That’s not to say that we won’t make a late move for the Hearts man. Considering both Budge and Craig Levein have now admitted to previous offers being rejected for him (BBC), he’s clearly well thought of at Parkhead.

But this wouldn’t be a major signing. It’s not a landmark deal if we get it over the line. There is and always has been much more pressing matters for us to focus on across our back four.

In other news, an English Premier League CEO has cleared up a frustrating Celtic summer saga.