Once Rangers-linked Bologna full-back Aaron Hickey is reportedly a £20m target for Newcastle United as they look ahead to the summer transfer window.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Magpies haven’t baulked at the Serie A side’s significant transfer demands with the Toon one of several sides interested in the 19-year-old.
Recently earning his first cap for Scotland, Aaron Hickey has more minutes than any teenager in the top five European leagues this season and is considered a major prospect.
The Italian club reportedly paid £1.5m for the then Hearts full-back and it looks to be money well spent amid those £20m links elsewhere.
Once Rangers-linked Aaron Hickey a £20m Newcastle United target
Rangers were one of several clubs extensively linked to Aaron Hickey before his move to Bologna and Italy at the beginning of last season.
The Scottish Sun even claimed that incoming Rangers sporting director had cited Aaron Hickey as the first transfer target of his reign in 2019.
However, that was eventually rebuffed by then Rangers manager Steven Gerrard who claimed there was “nothing in it”.
Hearts manager Craig Levein was also pressed on the interest back then and answered in his usual sarcastic style, suggesting the reports were nonsense.
The former Scotland boss even joked that his side were set to bid for Alfredo Morelos.
“Who do we play at the weekend?” Asked Levein [Edinburgh Evening News].
“We’re going to put an offer in for Morelos tomorrow. I’m taking that one with a lump of salt.”
Now one of the highest-rated young prospects in Europe, perhaps Rangers might rue not pursuing any interest in Aaron Hickey after all.
Meanwhile, an ex-Celtic star scrambled to correct himself after making a statement involving Rangers live on TV.
