Aston Villa and Newcastle United’s £18m target has already given transfer stance

Steven Gerrard is keen on Bologna left-back Aaron Hickey, with a summer move in the offing.

The Times reports that Brentford are lining up an £18m move for the two-cap Scotland international, but the outlet also says that Aston Villa, AC Milan and Newcastle United are in the running too.

Although the 19-year-old may yet sign a new deal to remain with the Serie A side, where he has played 32 times in the league so far this campaign, scoring five times and grabbing one assist.

Aston Villa have Lucas Digne on the books but have loaned out Matt Targett to Newcastle United, and what happens with the Magpies may affect whether Gerrard is able to bring in another full-back this summer.

Former Hearts defender Hickey has played down speculation and just wants to improve, though a chance to play in the Premier League seemingly beckons.

Bologna are 13th in the Italian top tier while Aston Villa will be hoping to be among the sides fighting for the European places in a year’s time.

“My goal this season was to play more games than last season. I achieved that aim and that’s something I am very happy about,” Hickey told reporters about his future recently.

“The important thing is to keep my head down and keep improving with a coaching staff that are helping me a lot.

“Now I think about my future only here in Bologna. The way we play helps me a lot compared to what I was used to in Scotland. In terms of my progress, I have to keep improving to gain experience and help the team.

“But personally, I think I still need to improve both in the attacking and defensive parts of my game.”