Premier League club see ‘bid’ rejected for Newcastle United and Arsenal transfer target

Newcastle United transfer target Aaron Hickey is adamant he will ‘keep his head down’ as talk over his future intensifies.

NewcastleWorld understands the Bologna defender is under serious consideration by the Magpies recruitment team as they look to strengthen their options at left-back during the summer transfer window.

Former loan star Matt Targett remains of interest after impressing during the second half of the season following a temporary switch from Premier League rivals Aston Villa on the final day of the January transfer window.

There have also been widespread reports over a possible move for Atletico Madrid and Brazil star Renan Lodi, who is expected to command a significantly larger fee than United’s other options.

Former Hearts left-back Hickey is currently on international duty with Scotland and the Magpies were represented at Hampden Park as he earned his first senior cap in the 3-1 defeat against Ukraine in a World Cup play-off last week.

That is not the first time members of United’s recruitment staff have watched the 19-year-old in action after making several trips to Italy to monitor him in action for Bologna over the last few months.

His ability to play in both full-back positions and his undoubted ability are believed to have impressed the Magpies during that time - but they are far from his only admirers with Premier League rivals Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Brentford all believe to be monitoring the situation.

Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport reported the Bees saw an initial £9.4million bid rejected by Bologna last week, with the Serie A side looking for a fee in excess of £20million for the talented defender.

Hickey has discussed life in Italy and the benefits of his move to Italy during his time on international duty and admitted he will just focus on continuing his progression as talk over his next move continues.

He said: “I just look at it and keep my head down. Wherever I am I just focus on what I’m doing.

“Things have gone well at Bologna. I think I’ve had a good season there. Since going to Italy I feel like I’ve improved different parts of my game.

“It’s a top experience for me to go to a different country, a different culture and a different way of playing football.

“They spend a lot of time in training, basically every day, looking at tactically where you should be, body shape, that sort of thing. The manager and the coaching staff have really helped me with that.

“Talking about it, walking through it in training, even watching videos on where to be.”