GERS WANT AARON? I’LL HAVE ALFIE
CRAIG LEVEIN says he’ll fire in a cheeky bid for Alfredo Morelos if Rangers try to nick Aaron Hickey.
The Hearts boss laughed off claims new Ibrox sporting director Ross Wilson had made the 17-year-old a £2million top target.
Hickey – who struck the derby winner against Hibs last month – is being tracked
by a host of big clubs with Manchester City leading the chase to land the defender.
Levein has scoffed at suggestions Rangers could join the race ahead of Sunday’s clash between the sides and admits he’s still trying to tie the youngster down on a longer-term deal.
The Tynecastle gaffer dismissed the transfer talk and said: “Who do we play at the weekend?
“We’re going to put an offer in for Morelos tomorrow. I’m taking that one with a lump of salt.”
Levein admits contract talks are ongoing, with the full-back’s current deal due to expire at the end of next season.
He added: “I’m still working on it. I want to just try to get it done with his dad then I’ll talk about it.”
Hearts will have Hickey on board for this weekend’s showdown and could be boosted by the return of Peter Haring on top of Uche Ikpeazu’s comeback.
Steven Naismith is still crocked but Haring is on the verge of a return having not featured since May’s Scottish Cup Final due to pelvis problems.
Ikpeazu missed the 1-0 defeat to Kilmarnock before the international break with a hamstring problem but is gearing up for Rangers.
Naismith has only been able to manage 78 minutes on the pitch this season and has been ruled out of facing his former club.
Levein said: “Peter trained on Monday and he’s alright so he’s on target to be fit for the weekend. Uche has trained and should be fine for the weekend.
“Steven’s still not 100 per cent so we’ll just have to wait and see how he is as the week goes on.”
Forward Craig Wighton is stepping up his recovery from a knee issue that has kept him sidelined since July but is unlikely to be available for Sunday.