Aston Villa were thought to be leading Celtic in the race to sign left-back Aaron Hickey this month.

However, according to The Athletic’s Gregg Evans, a move for the Bologna man is now unlikely, which has had a number of Villa supporters talking.

Steven Gerrard's side have made a start to their January business by agreeing to sign Phillipe Coutinho on loan with an option to buy from Barcelona.

Following the move for the 29-year-old, Evans revealed that next on the agenda is a full-back, with another goalkeeper and midfielder also on the club’s wish list.

Hickey was an option being considered at Villa Park, but Evans admitted on Saturday morning that a January swoop for the Scottish youngster isn’t looking likely. He added that the club may revisit their interest in the summer and are looking at alternative options.

The 19-year-old has been hailed for his "quality and personality" by Sinisa Mihajlovic, his manager at Bologna, and the boss has demonstrated such faith by often including the teenager in his starting line-up this season.

Villa fans react

Here is what these Villa fans had to say in reply to Evans’ post, with many left unimpressed and others believing the club could now move on to Everton's Lucas Digne, who has also been linked.

“Heartbroken truly.”

Credit: @ViIlaI_

“Weekend ruined”

Credit: @JonathanFar23

“Boooo”

Credit: @ethanwoody123

“Oh :(… I mean I’ll take Digne don’t get me wrong but Hickey is going straight to the top within a few years so will feel another missed opportunity like Jarrod Bowen.”

Credit: @AVFCTheReligion

“Digne signed now with Hickey replacing Targett in the summer”

Credit: @STAUNT0N

“Digne for LB then???”

Credit: @DG_Villa1

In other news: 'Oh my god' - Many Villa fans erupt at who West Ham now want to sign