Aaron Hickey will sign a five-year contract with Bologna worth around €200,000 per year.
That’s according to Italian newspaper Gazzetta Dello Sport, who claim the Hearts teenager will take home just under £3,5000 per week when he makes the move to Serie A.
A deal is thought to be close, although negotiations between the two clubs have been continuing over the last few days.
A straight forward, permanent transfer understood to be worth around £1.8million to the Tynecastle club, remains a possibility, although it’s understood a season-long loan deal with an obligation to buy next summer is also on the table.
Celtic are due 30 per cent of any fee according to the agreement that saw Hickey return to Gorgie after four years with the Parkhead club’s academy.
Robbie Neilson is currently traveling south with his squad ahead of tomorrow’s friendly against Burnley (kick-off 12.30pm) although Hickey has not traveled with the team with a deal being thrashed out to take him to the continent.
Hearts are keen to try and sign former Hamilton, Swansea and Hull left back Stephen Kingsley as a replacement, but face stiff competition from other clubs in England for the Scotland Under 21 international’s signature.
Ben Garuccio and Aidy White have been heavily involved in Hearts’ pre-season games to date, so there is no rush for Neilson to sign a left back just yet, with centre back and centre midfielder his priorities as he tries to add two or three more new faces before October.
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