Liverpool have been sending scouts to watch 19-year-old Scottish left-back Aaron Hickey this season.
That’s according to 90min, who claim that Liverpool are one of a number of top sides monitoring the Bologna youngster.
The report claims that The Reds are joined by all of their ‘Big Six’ Premier League rivals in taking an interest in Hickey. Big guns from Europe such as Bayern Munich, Juventus and Napoli are also credited with being in the race.
90min report that scouts believe the teenager to be a ‘unique’ talent who is capable of playing on either side.
Who is he
After making the bold move to leave Hearts for Bologna in 2020, Hickey has become one of the first names on the teamsheet this season.
The Glaswegian has started 25 of the Serie A side’s 28 league matches this season. Usually playing at left-back, Hickey is also capable in an attacking sense having scored an impressive four goals this season.
That form saw him earn his first ever call-up to the Scotland National Team on Tuesday. Upon selecting him for the 24-man squad, Scotland manager Steve Clarke called him ‘one of the standout young players in European football.’ via BBC Sport
A tale of two left-backs
Scotland have a pretty decent left-back at the moment so he may not see much game-time immediately for Clarke. But if Liverpool’s interest in Hickey is genuine, it might be an idea to get Andy Robertson imparting some wisdom to the youngster on the training pitch.
There are similarities in the style of play of both players. They were also both initially part of the academy at Celtic, but never played at first-team level for their hometown club.
In playing style and personal story, there are obvious parallels to be drawn between the full-back pair.
However, Hickey has had a much more meteoric early rise than Robbo, who had to work his way up the lower leagues.
By contrast, Hickey made his debut at Hearts as a 16-year-old. In 2019 he became the youngest ever player to start in a Scottish Cup Final.
The young Scotsman was a starter by the following season and subsequently joined Bologna where he has taken his game to another level.
Although he is a left-back by trade, Hickey is relatively two-footed and could also cover on the right. This could make him an attractive option for Liverpool who are in need for cover for Trent Alexander-Arnold.
If this report is to be believed, The Reds could have some serious competition for Hickey. Time to deploy agent Robbo into the field.
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