Bologna could make move for Hibs youngster Josh Doig if they have to replace Aaron Hickey

Josh Doig is under consideration by Bologna as a replacement for in-demand Scotland full-back, Aaron Hickey.

Brentford are the front-runners for the 20-year-old, and are understood to have opened talks with Bologna over a transfer.

Hickey, who moved to Serie A from Hearts in September 2020 for £1.5 million, would command a fee between £15m and £20m.

And, according to sources in Italy, Bologna have returned to Edinburgh to eye a potential successor.

They report that Bologna, who finished 13th in the top flight, have spoken with Hibernian over the availability of £3m-rated Doig.

The 20-year-old signed an Easter Road deal until 2026 while Jack Ross was still in charge last November.

He has since played under Shaun Maloney, and now has a new manager in Lee Johnson.

The ex-Sunderland gaffer is well on the way to revamping the Hibs squad, and a cut of a potential £3m fee would aid his transfer funds.

However, the Scotland Under-21 star has been a regular in the first-team since breaking through in 2020, and Hibs would be losing a top talent.

He was voted the Scottish Football Writers’ Association Young Scottish Player of the Year 12 months ago, the first Hibee to be accorded the honour since Steven Fletcher in 2009.

Bologna’s rivals, Sassuolo, were credited with a look at Doig and Aberdeen right-back Calvin Ramsay on a recent spying trip. Leicester City and Celtic were also mentioned.

Meanwhile, Champions League-bound Napoli and AC Milan have been linked with an interest in Hickey, who started the World Cup play-off loss to Ukraine. But Brentford have emerged as favourites, and his former club, Hearts, would land a fee from any bumper transfer figure.