Aston Villa are thought to be leading Celtic in the race to sign Bologna left-back Aaron Hickey in January.

The Serie A side will hold a transfer meeting on January 6 to discuss Hickey’s future, according to Tuttosport, via Total Villa.

And, as to be expected, a number of Villa fans have been reacting to the news on social media.

Steven Gerrard has been promised a huge winter window kitty by NSWE and is thought to be an admirer of Hickey, who swapped Scotland for Italy in 2020.

Labelled as a player with ‘quality’ by Bologna manager Sinisa Mihajlovic, the 19-year-old has made 31 appearances for the club – 19 of which have come this season.

Villa currently have two options at left-back in Matt Targett and Ashley Young, but it seems as if they are thinking long-term when looking at a move for Hickey, who is thriving in a top European league at just 19 years of age.

Villa fans react

This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply to Total Villa’s Twitter post regarding Hickey on Wednesday afternoon, with many keen for Villa to bring the youngster to the Midlands.

“Get him in please”

Credit: @jimmystanggren

“Of the players being linked to Villa lately, Hickey is one of the few exciting ones”

Credit: @daviddjuphammar

“The obvious answer for a reserve LB. Cash and Keslar on the right, Targett and Hickey on the left. Will be interesting to see if SG wants a straight swap out for Targett with more attacking prowess.”

Credit: @Ryan__Wills

@AVFCOfficial sign him.

Credit: @ZM_AVFC

“Yes please”

Credit: @GarethBarham1

“We would be more likely to get him in the summer!”

Credit: @AvfcGards

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