Aston Villa dealt transfer blow after 'official approach' made for £18m player

Aston Villa have been dealt a potential transfer blow after Brentford have reportedly made an ‘official approach’ to sign Bologna defender Aaron Hickey.

Steven Gerrard’s side have been active in the transfer market so far, sealing four permanent moves as Villa look to bolster their squad. However, despite their early dealings, a new left-back still appears to be a priority.

Matt Targett completed his £15million move to Newcastle earlier this week, following his earlier loan spell at St. James’ Park. While Villa have confirmed that Ashley Young’s contract is still set to expire this summer, leaving youngster Ben Chrisene as the sole back-up to Lucas Digne.

Villa have been touted with a move for Rangers defender Calvin Bassey, who Gerrard helped bring to Ibrox in 2020, as well as links to Nantes’ Quentin Merlin and Anderlecht’s Sergio Gomez. Though 20-year-old Hickey has also been reported to be a long-term target for the club .

However, Villa have seemingly been dealt a blow in their pursuit of the Scotland international. It has been reported by the Daily Mail that Brentford have made an ‘official approach’ for the full-back, with Thomas Frank’s side set to make an £18million bid for the former Hearts man.

Hickey is claimed to also be a ‘target’ for Napoli, having impressed during his time in Serie A. Villa are stated to have an ‘interest’ in the left-back, alongside fellow Premier League sides Arsenal and Newcastle, but Brentford are described as the ‘frontrunners’ for his signature.

After signing for Bologna from Hearts in 2020, the defender missed just two league games this season, establishing himself as first-choice left-back, and scoring five goals in the process. Having long been linked with a move