Brentford have made an official approach to Bologna for Scotland international defender Aaron Hickey.
Sportsmail reported on the English Premier League side’s plans for an £18million bid in April.
A starter in last week’s World Cup play-off defeat to Ukraine, 20-year-old Hickey is also a target for Serie A giants Napoli.
Hickey made a £1.5m move from Hearts to Bologna in September 2020 despite a rival offer from Bayern Munich.
Since then, the full-back has played more first-team minutes than any other teenager currently plying his trade in a major league, with Arsenal, Newcastle and Aston Villa also credited with an interest.