Aaron Hickey will ‘100 per cent’ stay at Serie A outfit Bologna amid claims that Celtic have made a £3.5 million bid for the Scottish left-back, technical director Walter Sabatini told Calciomercato.
While the Hoops have finally made some progress in the transfer market this week – reinforcing a wasteful frontline with the £3.5 million signing of Liel Abada and the sudden arrival of Kyogu Furuhashi – a substantial rebuilding project still has a long way to go.
Celtic do not have a single first-choice right-back worthy of the name, although efforts are being made to change that before the end of August, while the departure of Diego Laxalt means reinforcements are required on the opposite flank as well.
Will Aaron Hickey solve Celtic’s left-back problem?
The Scottish Sun reported last week that a £3.5 million bid had been made to bring former youth prospect Hickey back to Parkhead.
Agreeing a deal for a man who made his name at Hearts before heading to Italy is proving to be easier said than done, however, with Bologna making their stance clear.
“Aaron is a player of Bologna and, despite the interest of many clubs, he will stay here; 100 per cent,” Sabatini explained, leaving no one in any doubt about their plans for the 19-year-old Glaswegian.
“Last season was cut short for him due to an injury but he has already shown us his great qualities. Bologna is betting a lot on him and will stay with us.”
Celtic have a long way to go and a lot of obstacles to overcome if they are to twist Bologna’s arm, then.
But at least the supporters can look forward to the arrival of a solid centre-half. Rubin Kazan’s sporting director confirmed earlier this week that talks are underway to sell Sweden international Carl Starfelt to the Scottish giants.
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