Newcastle transfer news: Aaron Hickey on Magpies’ radar

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Newcastle United have reportedly joined the hunt to sign Bologna defender Aaron Hickey.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Magpies are among a cluster of clubs monitoring the Scottish full-back’s progress.

Hickey has enjoyed a good campaign over in Italy so far this season.

He’s actually played more first-team minutes than any teenager in Europe’s top five leagues so far, featuring in 27 out of Bologna’s 29 games up to now.

He has been progressing well since joining the club from Hearts in 2020. And his form has resulted in some admiring glances.

Newcastle are said to be keen on the 19-year-old, who has previously drawn comparisons to Liverpool star Andy Robertson.

The Magpies will undoubtedly be moving for at least one new left-back this summer.

Matt Targett has really impressed since coming in on loan from Aston Villa. And reports have already suggested the club will move to sign him up permanently.

But it’s possible Matt Ritchie could depart. And it’s also possible Jamal Lewis could also leave either on loan or permanently, after he missed out on Eddie Howe’s update Premier League squad in February.

Hickey would certainly be an exciting capture. Romano adds that a fee of £15-20 million could be enough to seal a deal.

Scotland manager Steve Clarke recently hailed Hickey after handing him a first call-up to the national team.

He said (via BT): “If you look at the way Aaron has played for Bologna over the course of the season, he is one of the standout young players in European football.

Newcastle can land Scotland’s next top young left-back in Aaron Hickey

It is exciting to see Newcastle linked with someone like Hickey, who has a huge future in the game.

Scotland has produced some top left-backs in recent times. Obviously, Robertson and Kieran Tierney are two high-profile Premier League names now.

Hickey is seemingly the next top young left-back off the conveyor belt. And Newcastle should be positioning themselves to make a move.

If Newcastle can start the 2022/23 season with Targett and Hickey as their left-back options, then they will be in fantastic shape.

You’ve got a player who’s in his prime and extremely dependable in Targett. And then, you’ve got a talented young player in Hickey who can rotate in here and there before eventually challenging to become the regular pick.