The end of the Aaron Hickey transfer saga is almost here after Bologna confirmed the full-back has signed for the Serie A side.
Bologna sporting director Walter Sabatini revealed the clubs have come to an agreement for the youngster's exit from Hearts.
Hickey will join on an initial loan deal, but the Italian club have an obligation to buy next summer for £1.78m.
He told the Sunday Post: "I am pleased to announce that Aaron Hickey will be a Bologna player.
“Hearts have accepted our offer (one year loan with obligation to buy set at 2m euros) and the player is very happy to wear the Bologna shirt next season.
“It was not an easy negotiation. There were other very important teams following Hickey and who wanted to buy him, but in the end the player realised that coming to us would be the best choice for him.
“In recent weeks, he had already been to Bologna and having visited our sports centre realised how important our project was.
“We are very pleased to have closed this deal positively. Hickey is a very-talented guy, with a great future.”
For more Hearts news join our new group Hearts Live - News, transfer rumours and chat from Tynecastle
Hearts will not see all of the funds from Hickey's sale if he does leave on the terms Sabatini outlined.
Celtic inserted a sell-on clause when they sold the teenager to Hearts so they would receive 30% of any future transfer.
And that looks to be a smart decision for the Parkhead club as he moves on for a big fee two years down the line.
A £1.78m transfer fee for Hickey would mean the Hoops should receive roughly £535,000 from the deal.
