Aston Villa are ‘really keen’ on a deal for Bologna left-back Aaron Hickey, according to Ashley Preece.

Described as ‘incredible’ by Villa coach Austin MacPhee during the pair’s time at Hearts, Hickey was linked with a move to the Midlands in the January window.

Reports even suggested that Villa made a late winter window offer for Hickey which was rejected, with the Scot remaining in Serie A beyond the deadline.

Villa’s failed bid was thought to be worth £8.3m with a 20% sell-on clause, and it looks as if the club will go back in for the 19-year-old this summer.

The Latest: Precee’s claim

Preece held a Birmingham Live Q&A on Thursday morning, discussing a whole range of Villa Park topics.

As to be expected, one of those was on transfers, with one supporter asking Preece if he thinks a move for Hickey will materialise. This is what he had to say in reply, revealing Villa are still ‘really keen’.

“Villa really keen on that one. Club will wait for Targett to tie up £15m Newcastle move (expected to go through start of July) before progressing to sign Hickey.”

The Verdict: Smart move?

As Preece states, Matt Targett looks set to seal a permanent move to Newcastle, which will leave Gerrard with just Lucas Digne and Ashley Young as left-back options heading into his first full season in charge.

Young is out of contract in the summer and will be 37 before the start of the 2022/23 campaign, while Digne may not feature again this season through injury.

Therefore, bringing in Hickey, who has been a regular in Italy this season and even earned his first two Scotland caps, could be a smart move, with many in the media expecting him to explode in 2022.

He’d rival Digne for a starting spot in the Midlands and would also provide Gerrard with an option as a left-midfielder and even on the right-hand side if required.

In other news: 'I'm told...' - Preece reveals big Aston Villa 'deal' Gerrard wants now on the verge.