MANCHESTER CITY plan to swoop for Brentford’s Scotland full-back Aaron Hickey as part of a Pep Guardiola shake-up.
The City chief wants a couple of new and ‘modern’ wide defenders as he looks to review those areas in his squad.
Hickey, 20, has proved he can play at the top level on EITHER side despite starting out as a left-back for Hearts.
Brentford know City are hot on his trail following his successful switch to the Premier League from Bologna in Italy.
City are still keen on Fulham’s American left-back Antonee Robinson, 25, but have put it on hold because of the big fee.
Hickey would be a similar £30million price but is younger and more adaptable.
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Arsenal had been in for the star last summer before Brentford swooped.
He has made 20 Premier League appearances for the Bees this season.
For all of their success this season City have issues at full-back with Kyle Walker at the senior stage of his career and doubts about Joao Cancelo’s future.
Guardiola is very particular about his full-backs and suggested earlier this month that Walker “cannot” do the inverted full-back role that City have often employed.
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The 32-year-old had barely been seen in recent weeks before starting in yesterday’s FA Cup semi-final win over Sheffield United.
A hat-trick by Riyad Mahrez has kept City’s treble dream alive.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk