Aston Villa aren’t short of left-backs with Matty Targett and Ashley Young at their disposal, but Ekrem Konur of Fichajes and CalcioPillole says Aaron Hickey is on their radar. The 19-year-old has spent the last year at Bologna and has a deal until 2024, but his future in Italy may now be up in the air.

Hickey joined Bologna from Hearts in September 2020 and has gone on to make 20 appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals. The former Scotland youth international cost £1.8m but is now valued at €15m (£12.7m) so Bologna would make a tidy profit through his sale.

Some fans on social media are open to Villa signing Hickey, but it may be some time before he’s representing the first-team. Targett has been in outstanding form for Villa and Young has played in five of their eight Premier League games this season, so Dean Smith isn’t short of cover.

Hickey is one for the future, however, so his arrival might be as Young’s long-term replacement. Konur’s report says Villa will make an approach, but it doesn’t say when, so it’s unknown if that’s to be in January or the following summer.

In other news, fans on social media react as AS Roma are linked with Anwar El Ghazi