Hearts face a challenge holding on to Aaron Hickey this season after the left-back was invited to Bayern Munich for a visit.

The defender, 17, is to be welcomed to the Allianz Arena next week to check out the facilities ahead of a potential move to Germany from Tynecastle.

BBC Sport's Kheredine Idessane told his followers on social media that Hickey had also been to Italy to visit Bologna recently and that English Premier League side Aston Villa also hope to entice the player down south.

He said: "It’s going to be very hard for @JamTarts to hang on to left back Aaron Hickey. Top flight clubs in Germany, Italy and England want him and as he’s in the last year of his contract, he could be a snip at around £1.5m. He’s been to @BolognaFC1909en for a look around.

"Next weekend he’s planning to go to @FCBayernEN to see what they have to offer him... and @AVFCOfficial would like him to play alongside John McGinn in the English Premier League.  Great options , with @swfc interested too, and @CelticFC wanting to be kept informed as well".

Herald and Times Sport understands Hickey is still being chased by Neil Lennon as a potential challenger to Greg Taylor at left-back.

It comes as the Hoops were linked with Hajduk Split defender David Colina.