Newcastle could be ready to sign Bologna left-back Aaron Hickey in the summer and deal West Ham a huge blow in the process.
That’s according to claims from highly respected football journalist Fabrizio Romano who suggests that Newcastle are prepared to meet the 19-year-old’s £15-20 million valuation.
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Left-back is an area where both West Ham and Newcastle managers David Moyes and Eddie Howe will be keen to strengthen this summer.
Aaron Cresswell will be 33 before the end of this year whilst Arthur Masuaku is just not good enough to serve as his backup. Bringing Hickey to the London Stadium would be a great move from the Hammers and that’s exactly what Moyes wants to do according to Peter O’Rourke (via Give Me Sport).
Meanwhile, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe will be given lavish funds to spend this summer and bringing the 19-year-old Scot to St James’ Park for around £15 million would be shrewd business from the Toon.
Both the Hammers and the Magpies could be set for a big summer tussle for the talented teen’s signature in the summer. But which Premier League club will come out on top?
West Ham could be beaten by Newcastle in summer Aaron Hickey chase
That’s according to well-renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The Italian took to Twitter last night and suggested that Newcastle are ready to swoop in for Hickey when the summer transfer window opens:
The teenager joined Bologna from Hearts in September 2020 for just £1.5 million (BBC).
He has been a huge hit in Italy, bagging four goals and an assist in 39 games (Transfermarkt).
All of those goals have come in 27 appearances this season. The 19-year-old has averaged 1.4 tackles and one interception per game this season. He’s made 27.3 passes per match on average and has recorded an impressive completion rate of 84.1% (Who Scored).
He really does have everything that West Ham and Newcastle will be looking for in a left-back this summer.
Hickey has absolutely everything needed to succeed in the Premier League. He’s fast, energetic, dynamic, is a very solid defender and possesses an exceptional delivery.
The young Scot was recently described as the new Gareth Bale (Daily Record) and he possesses similar attributes to Liverpool ace Andy Robertson and Arsenal star Kieran Tierney. He has also been described as an incredible player by BT Sport.
If Hickey continues to work hard and applies himself properly both on and off the pitch, he could become a truly top-class Premier League player.
The Bologna ace would be a superb addition for West Ham. However, with Newcastle now said to be in for his signature, it could very well be game over for the Hammers.
And that will be a massive blow for us this summer, with Moyes in desperate need of bringing in some top-class competition and cover for Aaron Cresswell.
West Ham’s loss could very well end up being Newcastle’s gain.
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