Scottish club Hearts poised to win the race for young Manchester City left-back

Scottish club Hearts are poised to win the race to sign Manchester City left-back Ashley Smith-Brown on loan for the 2017-18 season, The Scottish Sun reports.

Smith-Brown, 21, spent last season on loan at City’s Dutch partner club NAC Breda, making 29 appearances in the Jupiler League as NAC won promotion to Holland’s top flight.

There has been more local interest in the former England under-20, but after weeks of talks, it is Hearts who believe they have won the battle for the highly-rated youngster.

Hearts boss Ian Cathro has been searching for a left-back as he looks to improve on last season’s 5th place finish in the Scottish Premiership, and Hearts hope to be able to confirm the deal around July 1.

Get your Manchester City 2017/18 home kit online now!