Premier League side Aston Villa have reportedly cooled their interest in Bologna’s 19-year-old left-back Aaron Hickey.
According to a report by The Athletic, Aston Villa are on the lookout for a left-back who can act as a back-up for first-choice Lucas Digne. They had identified Bologna’s Aaron Hickey as a possible option, but the Scottish international’s market value seems to have put them off and they are now looking at other players.
Aston Villa have finely begun the transfer season and have already completed three important signings ahead of the new season. Villa, under Steven Gerrard, clearly mean business and are eager to improve on their 15th-placed finish in the Premier League this past season.
Aston Villa have already completed the signings of Brazilianplaymaker Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona, midfielder Boubacar Kamara from Marseille and centre-back Diego Carlos from Sevilla. But they are not ready to stop, with many other players on their transfer wishlist.
The Villans still look eager to add another midfielder to their squad with Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Yves Bissouma being tracked. But Aston Villa are not desperate to get one of these two deals through the line as Gerrard is prepared to start Kamara in a holding midfield role.
The Villans are also in the market for a striker and as per the aforementioned report, are considering a move for Luis Suarez. The former Liverpool star will become a free agent, with his Atletico Madrid contract expiring next month. Gerrard is said to be in contact with the Uruguayan, but Suarez will ‘weigh his options’ before deciding on his next destination.
Among other positions, signing a left-back to add depth to the position is also on their agenda. Bologna’s 19-year-old defensive sensation Aaron Hickey was on their radar for a bit, but the Serie A side value him at £20 million, which Aston Villa are not ready to pay for a back-up left-back.
Anderlecht’s Sergio Gomez is also being monitored, with Rangers’ Calvin Bassey, who Gerrard signed for the Scottish side, also on their radar. Bassey can also couple up as a left-sided centre-back, which could work in his favour as Aston Villa plot a move. But Hickey is unlikely to move to Villa Park from Serie A club Bologna.
