Josh Doig: Hibs defender on Bologna radar as Serie A side 'prepares for Aaron Hickey exit'

Bologna are weighing up a move for Hibs defender Josh Doig as a replacement for Aaron Hickey.

The former Hearts defender, who is currently on Scotland international duty, has been the subject of interest from teams including Arsenal, Aston Villa, Brentford, Napoli, and Newcastle and looks certain to move on ahead of the new season.

Scouts from Sassuolo ran the rule over Doig last season and also had a look at Aberdeen full-back Calvin Ramsay, who now looks likely to join Liverpool, while a host of other clubs have been keeping tabs on the versatile Hibs left-back who already has more than 70 appearances under his belt for the Easter Road side.

The Evening News understands the interest is genuine, with Bologna prepared to pay a fee of between £2.5 million and £3.5 million to secure the Scotland Under-21 cap’s services.

However, any move is likely to be dependent on Hickey departing the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara, which looks likely to happen amid sustained interest in the full-back.

Doig, who is under contract at Hibs until summer 2026, has spoken about transfer interest, insisting that he pays no attention to rumours.

"I’ve learned from the summer when I let it distract me a little bit,” he said earlier this year.

"I’m ignoring it and getting on with the football. Don't look at Twitter, Instagram, stay away from it all; just play your football. At the end of the day, that's what will get you your move.

"It’s nice to hear but as a professional you need to put it to the back of your mind and get on with training and playing and enjoying your football."