Hearts star Aaron Hickey has been chased by Celtic on numerous occasions.

The 18-year-old has one year left on his Hearts contract.

He is wanted by the likes of Bayern Munich, Aston Villa and Bologna.

And Craig Levein, former boss at Hearts, says Celtic have been after Hickey on five or six occasions.

"Celtic tried to buy him back half-a-dozen times and that just got knocked back," Levein told BBC Radio Scotland.

"Celtic tried to buy him back while he was in the first team, I think it was five or six times."

But if Hickey does not agree a new deal, Hearts are likely to sell him for roughly £1.5 million.

The full back and midfielder has played 33 games for Hearts, scoring a single goal.

The team's relegation means finances are tight and any suitable bid for the player is likely to get accepted.