Former Aston Villa midfielder Birkir Bjarnason has opened up about the possibility of making a move to Stoke City on a free transfer, whilst on international duty with Iceland.

Bjarnason, who left Aston Villa in the summer having helped the club earn promotion to the Premier League last season, has been linked with a move back to the Championship with both Stoke and Derby County reportedly interested in the midfielder.

The 31-year-old enjoyed a relatively successful two-and-a-half-year spell at Aston Villa in the Championship, with his direct running and excellent work rate helping to add some extra quality to Villa's midfield at times.

However, Bjarnason's game time became more limited following Steve Bruce's departure from Aston Villa, and under his successor Dean Smith the 31-year-old became more of a squad player, making it unsurprising that he was allowed to leave the club in the summer.

Bjarnason is currently on international duty with Iceland, and the midfielder told reporters, via Foltbolti.net, that he has had talks with both Stoke and Derby, saying "Yes, yes, they [Stoke and Derby] 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."

The Verdict

Stoke could certainly benefit from reinforcements given the Potters current situation, and a player with Bjarnason's work rate and quality would certainly add some much-needed steel and quality to Nathan Jones' side.

Bjarnason is a player with plenty of experience in the Championship having made over 50 appearances for Aston Villa, and the 31-year-old, despite being a free agent, should be relatively fit given he has been training with Iceland's international squad.

That suggests he could come in and make a difference quickly for Stoke were the Potters to sign him, but with competition from Derby it could prove difficult to secure his signature, Jones will be hoping that Stoke's win at Swansea last time out might help convince Bjarnason to join his side.