Celtic are interested in a deal to bring Aaron Hickey to Parkhead in the January transfer window.
What’s the talk?
That’s according to a report by The Sun, who claim that both Ange Postecoglou’s side and Aston Villa are keeping tabs on the Bologna left-back ahead of a potential move for the 19-year-old in the winter market.
The report goes on to state that a number of other English clubs are interested in the defender, however, sources close to the player believe that the Scotland U21 international is happy in Italy.
Speaking about the interest in Hickey, Bologna sporting director Walter Sabatini said: “Hickey is a Bologna player, and despite the interest of many clubs, he will 100% remain here.
“Last season was a short one for him because of injury but he has already shown us the great qualities he possesses as a player. Bologna are betting a lot on him, and he stays with us.”
Should Celtic make a January move for Hickey?
Yes
No
Ange would love him
While the emergence of 19-year-old Adam Montgomery has eased Postecoglou’s concerns at left-back somewhat, with the injury to Greg Taylor initially looking to have left the Hoops somewhat short in the position, considering just how much potential Hickey appears to possess, it would be hard to argue that the teenager would not be a signing that the Greek-Australian manager would love to make.
Indeed, over his eight Serie A appearances so far this season, the £7.2m-rated man has helped his side keep one clean sheet and has scored two goals, as well as taking an average of 0.9 shots and making 0.5 key passes per game.
The £16k-per-week left-back has also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of one interception, 1.1 tackles, 0.5 clearances and winning 5.3 duels per fixture.
These returns have seen the 19-year-old who former Hearts manager Daniel Stendel dubbed an “extraordinary talent” – as well as suggesting he could go on to become the next Philipp Lahm – earn an average SofaScore match rating of 6.85, ranking him as Sinisa Mihajlovic’s joint 10th-best performer in the Italian top flight.
As such, should the opportunity arise, it would seem to be an extremely wise move for Postecoglou to do all he can to land the 19-year-old, as not even the sky looks to be the limit of the young defender’s potential.
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