Hearts coach Robbie Neilson confirms 18-year-old defender Aaron Hickey is likely to join Bologna, despite interest from Bayern Munich and Celtic.
The Rossoblu have been chasing him for months and he even visited their training facilities, but he had seemed to pick Bayern after a trip there too.
Now Sky Sports UK report Bologna are back in front and close to a deal for circa €2m, with a sell-on clause.
Hearts coach Robbie Neilson confirms 18-year-old defender Aaron Hickey is likely to join Bologna, despite interest from Bayern Munich and Celtic.
The Rossoblu have been chasing him for months and he even visited their training facilities, but he had seemed to pick Bayern after a trip there too.
Now Sky Sports UK report Bologna are back in front and close to a deal for circa €2m, with a sell-on clause.
“We're still waiting to see what happens. We had an offer come in that we knocked back and we're waiting to see where it goes,” Hearts manager Neilson told Sky Sports News.
“It's been a long, drawn out process but we're hopefully getting to the end of it now. But until it's done, he's still a Hearts player.
“From a personal perspective, as a manager, I would like him to be here because he has great quality, but I think things will be moving in the next few days.”
Neilson also hinted as to why Hickey might be about to choose Bologna rather than Bayern Munich.
“From Aaron's perspective – and I've had this conversation with him – it's important he continues to go and play first-team football,” Neilson added.
“I think that's why he has progressed so quickly, because he has got it here at such a young age. I would hate to see him go somewhere and drift into their U20s or U23s team.
“Ultimately he will make the decision with his father and his agent where he goes and we wish him all the best.”
Image: hearts.co.uk