Iceland international Burkir Bjarnason has told reporters in Iceland that Derby County and Stoke City have been in contact over a move back to England, Foltbolti.net report.
Bjarnason has been a free agent since leaving Aston Villa in the summer.
The attacking player made 47 appearances for Villa over a two-and-half-year spell. He is direct, hardworking and offers quality on the ball in the final third.
Both Derby and Stoke City have been linked with Bjarnason. The Sun (September 29; Page 53) claimed the Championship duo were in a battle to sign him.
And now the player himself has admitted having talks with the pair when quizzed by Icelandic reporters.
MORE DERBY STORIES
Yes, yes, they [Derby and Stoke] have been talking, but there is nothing that has been finished. I’ve been talking to a team for a long time and it happens when it happens. I’m not in a hurry. I’m open to everything and take the position after the games. Then I’ll see what’s best for me.
Could Birkir Bjarnason be a good option for Derby County?
Despite being without a club, Bjarnason is in the Icelandic national team squad for the upcoming encounter with World Cup winners France and minnows Andorra.
The 31-year-old claims he is in great condition, and he appears ready for a new project.
Derby have started to pick up some form following an indifferent start to the season. The Rams have picked up seven points from their past three Championship games.
Having said that, they are light on natural wide options. Martyn Waghorn and Tom Lawrence are currently playing as wide forwards, but both are more suited to central roles.
Bjarnason could offer Derby better quality in that area, with question marks over the form and quality of fellow options Florian Jozefzoon and academy graduate Mason Bennett.