Bologna sporting director Walter Sabatini has hinted at a move for Hearts’ Aaron Hickey after outlining a shift in the club’s recruitment policy.
The Serie A outfit have been credited with an interest in the Tynecastle teenager, who is also on the radar of Bayern Munich, Aston Villa, AC Milan and Celtic.
Hickey is in the final year of his Hearts contract and while Robbie Neilson remains determined to persuade him to sign a new deal, he could be fighting a losing battle given the calibre of clubs circling.
That being the case, the Jambos may be keen to cash in on their star asset while they can.
And Hickey fits the profile of player Bologna are now targeting.
“It’s no secret we are looking for a full back and a centre midfielder because the team needs to be reinforced,” said Sabatini.
“From an economic point of view, we feel there is better value in the market outside Italy.
If you want a tip about our next signing, I can tell you he will be a young player from abroad.
“We want a player who is comfortable attacking and is also a goal threat. We have improved and expanded our level of scouting and are looking at different markets.
“Our aim is to keep our best players and expand the squad with good young players for next season.”
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