Ex-Hearts ace reveals Celtic interest prior to Italy move

Ex-Hearts star Aaron Hickey has revealed there was interest in him from Celtic during the summer.

Aaron Hickey has performed well for Bologna in Serie A since moving to Italy from Hearts. Picture: Getty

The 18-year-old full-back joined Bologna during the transfer window for a reported £1.5million fee.

Interest was rife in Hickey, who shot to prominence in the 2019 Scottish Cup final against when he went up against James Forrest aged just 16 and performed very well.

A host of clubs were linked with a move for the defender.

Ultimately, it came down to a battle between Serie A side Bologna and Bayern Munich with the player opting for the former.

However, there was interest from boyhood club Celtic, where Hickey spent time during his youth career. More so than Manchester City who were also said to be keen on Hickey.

The player spoke to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport about why he decided to move to Italy.

He said: "Bayern are a great club, but Bologna is massive, they are of a high level, I’m sure I have chosen a big club.

"The thing that most convinced me, when I came here to visit some time ago, is the family atmosphere I felt immediately. I immediately felt a good feeling.

"Did Manchester City also look for me? I would say no. Celtic? Yes."

Hickey has been a regular for Bologna, starting seven games in Serie A and once in the Coppa Italia.

This weekend the teenager faces the prospect of a trip to the San Siro and Inter Milan before a home fixture with Roma.