Josh Doig: Hibs defender on Bologna radar as Serie A side 'prepares for Aaron Hickey exit'

The former Hearts defender, who is currently on Scotland international duty, has been the subject of interest from teams including Arsenal, Aston Villa, Brentford, Napoli, and Newcastle and looks certain to move on ahead of the new season.

Scouts from Sassuolo ran the rule over Doig last season and also had a look at Aberdeen full-back Calvin Ramsay, who now looks likely to join Liverpool, while a host of other clubs have been keeping tabs on the versatile Hibs left-back who already has more than 70 appearances under his belt for the Easter Road side.

It is believed Bologna would seek to negotiate an initial loan deal with an option to buy, and would be prepared to pay a fee of between £2.5 million and £3.5 million to secure the Scotland Under-21 cap’s services.

However, any move would be dependent on Hickey departing the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara.

Doig has spoken repeatedly about transfer interest, insisting that he pays no attention to the rumour mill.

"I’ve learned from the summer when I let it distract me a little bit,” he said earlier this year.

"I’m ignoring it and getting on with the football. Don't look at Twitter, Instagram, stay away from it all; just play your football. At the end of the day, that's what will get you your move.

"It’s nice to hear sometimes but as a professional you need to put it to the back of your mind and just get on with training and playing and just enjoying your football."