Newcastle United are reportedly interested in highly-rated Scottish teenage full-back Aaron Hickey, who could be available for a reasonable fee in the summer.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Aaron Hickey has emerged as a definitive target for Newcastle United, who are eyeing a move for the teenage left-back. Bologna are demanding £15-20 million for the emerging full-back, which should not be a problem for the Magpies.
Fabrizio Romano insists Bologna’s asking price for Aaron Hickey may not pose a problem for Newcastle United in the upcoming summer window. The Magpies are expected to have a huge recruitment drive, where they are expected to splash big and get hold of their targets.
Newcastle have the necessary financial muscle to put together impressive proposals for their targets, more than any of the biggest clubs in the world thanks to their new owners with deep pockets. Hickey has emerged as a player of interest, with the Tyneside outfit willing to meet Bologna’s asking price of around £15-20 million.
Newcastle were on hand to address the problem at left-back in January when they signed Matt Targett on loan from Aston Villa. There are chances of the club making the move permanent owing to the player’s impressive performances since joining the team.
Newcastle are interested in signing Bologna fullback Aaron Hickey. Potential fee £15-20m not an issue, he’s considered a top talent – but other clubs monitoring closely. ??????? #NUFC
Hickey has played more minutes than any other teenager in Europe's top five leagues this season. pic.twitter.com/PVM8Jn6tGu
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 30, 2022
Irrespective of that decision, the Magpies are prepared to shell out a significant sum on a talented, emerging player like Hickey, who has received rave reviews for his displays at Bologna. Aston Villa were interested in him before January, although they have signed Lucas Digne from Everton since then.
No other teenager has played more minutes than Hickey in Europe’s top-five leagues. He has managed 27 appearances in Serie A, scoring four times in the process. Multiple clubs from the Premier League are interested in the left-back, who has also been capped twice by Scotland.
Intense competition at the national level from established stars such as Andy Robertson and Kieran Tierney may block his path. However, the player’s versatility may prove useful in the long run. He has been tipped to have a terrific career, and clubs are hence lining up early to get him signed up.
Newcastle may have to use their financial muscle to get this deal over the line and could bank on the player to become a regular starter in no time at all. However, any move would depend on Hickey, who may evaluate any other offers coming his way in the summer.
