Aaron Hickey: Bologna latest in long line of clubs to be linked with Hearts starlet

Italian top-flight club Bologna are interested in signing Hearts left-back Aaron Hickey, according to reports.

The 18-year-old has been linked with a slew of big names since breaking on to the Tynecastle scene last year.

Celtic, Juventus, Manchester City and Bayern Munich are all said to be monitoring the progress of the starlet, who has one more year of his contract to run, and now Serie A cracks Bologna have entered the race to sign him.

According to the Daily Record, the Rossoblù will approach Hearts officials next week about making an offer for him.

English Premier League outfit Aston Villa are also believed to be weighing up a bid.

Hickey was one of Hearts’ best performers in a dismal 2019/20 campaign that resulted in them being relegated to the Championship following the coronavirus crisis.

He has made 33 senior appearances for Hearts and while new head coach Robbie Neilson wants to keep him in the Capital for next season, he is braced for serious interest from bigger clubs.

Hearts are not due in competitive action until the beginning of October, when the Betfred Cup starts ahead of their first league match on October 17 away at Dundee.