Preece claims AVFC now “looking to” secure £11.7m-rated gem, he's likened to Busquets - opinion

Aston Villa had a rather busy January transfer window in terms of their recruitment as well as moving some of their current players out on loan to other clubs.

Even though the winter transfer period has drawn to a close, it seems as though the Midlands club may already have their eyes on one deal in particular that they could look to complete when the summer transfer window opens.

During a recent online Q&A on the Birmingham Live website, Villa journalist Ashley Preece was asked a question regarding the club’s current left-back situation after Matt Targett made a January deadline day transfer move to Newcastle United on loan.

In response, Preece revealed that the Midlands club are “looking to” try and sign Bologna’s 19-year-old left-back Aaron Hickey when the next summer transfer window opens.

With that in mind and the fact that they were linked with a move for the defender during the recent January transfer window suggests that Villa’s scouting team certainly see the teenager as a suitable recruit for Gerrard’s side.

Prior to joining the Italian side back in September 2020, the £11.7m-rated full-back had racked up 34 appearances for SPFL side Hearts.

Since joining Bologna, the teenager, who has been likened to Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets in the past by Austin MacPhee, has managed to score an impressive four goals in 33 appearances across all competitions.

As well as his goals, the defender has also managed to deliver some solid performances for the Serie A side this season with WhoScored giving him an overall rating of 6.8/10 making him their fourth-highest rated player.

This would also currently place him in the top 10 of Villa’s highest-rated players in the Premier League this season, showing that he has what