Connor Barron a transfer target for 2 Serie A clubs as Aberdeen FC star also eyed in England

Sassuolo and Cagliari have made Aberdeen star Connor Barron a top summer target.

The Italian pair have the Scotland Under-21 cap on their wanted list – if they can seal their Serie A survival. The Dons midfielder is out-of-contract in the summer and could be snapped up for just over £500,000 in training compensation.

Sassuolo and Cagliari have scouted the 21-year-old remotely and in person and were left mightily impressed by the playmaker. The Italian sides watched Barron as he helped Scotland’s U-21s to an impressive 4-1 win over Kazakhstan last month. The duo have also seen the Dons’ academy protégé in recent weeks for his club side. Either moves hinge on whether or not they can dig themselves out of relegation trouble.

Sassuolo are second bottom and two points away from safety, while Cagliari are four points away from the drop zone. Sassuolo are no stranger to Scottish football talent, having snapped up fellow Scotland U-21 cap Josh Doig from Hellas Verona in the January window.

Sassuolo also scouted Lewis Ferguson at Aberdeen although he eventually ended up going to Serie A rivals Bologna. The impact Aaron Hickey made and now Ferguson is at Bologna has seen more and more Italian sides look to the Scottish market for young talent.

Ferguson could yet net Aberdeen significant money via a sell-on from his sale to Bologna. Juventus, AC Milan, Inter, Napoli and Lazio are among the top Serie A sides who are interested in Scotland international Ferguson.

Aberdeen are still in talks with Barron over a new deal but the added complication is they remain without a permanent manager. The Dons are keen to bring in Jimmy Thelin but have been unable to strike an agreement with Elfsborg so far.

Barron will also have options