A move to Leeds United would provide Bologna defender Aaron Hickey with a ‘real opportunity’ to secure first-team football, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The highly-rated 19-year-old has been linked with several Premier League sides in recent weeks after going from strength to strength with his Italian employers.

What is the latest news involving Hickey?

According to 90min, Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham have all been monitoring Hickey's development following a string of impressive performances.

The report also claimed that there has been interest in the versatile full-back from West Ham, Leicester, Brighton, Southampton and Brentford alongside Leeds.

And the number of potential suitors keeping close tabs on Hickey comes as little surprise, given his progress throughout the current campaign.

In 2021/22, the 6 foot gem has made 27 Serie A appearances, registering four goals and one assist, playing a pivotal as Bologna have climbed to a respectable 12^th position, 11 points above the relegation zone.

Erik ten Hag CLOSE to getting Man United job! Hear more on The Football Terrace...

As per WhoScored, Hickey has also recorded 1.4 tackles, 0.4 blocks and one dribble per top-flight fixture, placing him in the top five for each metric when compared to his teammates.

Scotland manager Steve Clarke recently handed the teenager his maiden call-up to the senior squad as a reward for his outstanding form at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara, and he could be set to take the next step in his career over the summer.

What has O’Rourke said about Hickey?

While regular game time could be hard to come by for Hickey if he makes the switch to one of the Premier League ‘Big Six’, that may not be the case at Leeds.

O’Rourke believes Hickey has the potential to displace first-choice left-back Junior Firpo in Jesse Marsch’s starting XI as the former Barcelona ace ‘hasn’t really met expectations’ this season.

He told GiveMeSport: “If he was to go to Leeds United, it’d be a real opportunity to be playing in that first team because Junior Firpo was a big arrival from Barcelona, and he hasn't really met expectations, I think it's pretty fair to say, and now he's injured as well.”

Do Leeds need a new left-back?

Firpo only arrived at Elland Road last summer in a £12.8 million deal, but a series of niggling injuries have prevented him from finding his best form.

The 25-year-old has only made 19 Premier League outings having failed to start over five consecutive games for Leeds and is currently sidelined with a knee problem.

Therefore, Marsch may target a more reliable replacement when the market reopens for business, and Hickey could be an ideal candidate.