CELTIC have made a £3.4million bid for Bologna left-back Aaron Hickey.
Ange Postecoglou has sanctioned the move for the 19-year-old former Hearts defender, according to a report in the Scottish Sun.
Talks with the one-time Hoops youth player could open this week as the new Parkhead gaffer attempts to solve the problem No.3 position. The squad is light in that area with Diego Laxalt returning to AC Milan after his season-long loan while there are still question marks over the future of Boli Bolingoli who has restarted training at Lennoxtown.
The Belgian, of course, was banished by the club last summer following his inexplicable and unauthorised break in Spain while idnoring goverment quarantine guidelines upon his return. Greg Taylor is the team’s only other recognised left-sided back-four operator.
Postecoglou has stepped up his interest in Hickey with Celtic making an official approach to the Serie a outfit.
The Hoops were interested in their former prospect a year ago, but the teenager opted to try his luck in the Italian top flight.
Asked about the speculation recently, Hickey, as reported in CQN, responded: “I’m fully aware that there has been interest.
“I can see it all — but I have just got to keep my head down and keep my focus on Bologna.”
PEC Zwolle left-back Kenneth Paal has also been linked with the Glasgow giants while Championship side Barnsley reportedly had a £650,000 bid knocked back recently.
Fellow-Dutch club AZ Alkmaar and French double-act Bordeaux and St Etienne are also among his suitors, but the player singled out Celtic for a special mention.
He said: “It’s such a big club with such a history, that’s always nice to hear. That just shows that you’re doing a good job.”
