Bologna defender Aaron Hickey admits he has weighed up a return to Glasgow amid speculation linking him with Celtic.
The 19-year-old has turned heads with his brilliant displays for Sinisa Mihajlovic's side and is regarded as one of the finest young talents in Serie A.
Celtic were quoted £6.8million for their former Hearts academy kid in the summer and that price tag will only increase after some impressive showings in the Italian top flight.
The likes of AC Milan and Napoli have been touted with an interest in the Scotland under-21 cap, but the home comforts of the Scottish Premiership could be a factor in any future decision.
When addressing speculation over his future, he told The Guardian: “It’s a good feeling knowing there is interest from big clubs.
“For now my head is in Bologna but I want to try and go to one of the big clubs in the Premier League or similar. That would be the ultimate thing for any footballer.
“My pals all have jobs or are at college.
“They are living at home. One plays for Queen’s Park. It’s all very different. I don’t know whether they are jealous of me or not. They’d never let me know if they are.
“Sometimes I think it would be good to stay in Glasgow all the time again but when I get back out here, it’s fine. I miss my family and friends but I enjoy it out here, living by myself.”
When leaving Tynecastle in 2020, Celtic were among the suitors chasing the signature of the wing-back.
However, Hickey notes that he was almost immediately won over on a switch to the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara after visiting Bologna.
He went on: “I came to see Bologna and immediately liked the feel of it all.
“The training ground, the people, the city.
"Serie A was a big attraction, this felt like a good move.
"I also thought there may well be more opportunity to play here than at a lot of the other teams. I am very happy with out it has all worked out, with the choice that I made. They have all been good decisions so far.
"They have worked out the way I wanted. I have just looked at what provided the most opportunity.”
