This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Derby County manager Phillip Cocu will surely have felt the latest international break has come at the wrong time with his side turning a corner, unbeaten in five and up to 13th in the Championship.

Cocu is not resting on his laurels though and is supposedly in talks to sign former Aston Villa midfielder Birkir Bjarnason, who is available on a free-transfer having left Villa Park this summer, according to Icelandic media outlet Fotbolti.

So would Bjarnason be a good addition at the Rams and is he actually needed?

We discuss.........

George Brooks

"This could be a good signing for Derby on a free transfer. Bjarnason is a decent player and he's got a good amount of experience in the Championship.

"He certainly ins't afraid to get stuck in on the pitch and he'd be able to provide the Rams with more intensity in midfield.

"Derby have got some good options in midfield, but Bjarnason would be able to increase competition within the squad and he'd provide Phillip Cocu with more depth, which can only be a considered good thing.

"Bjarnason might also be tempted by a move to Stoke, so it'll be interesting to see which team, if any, ends up getting him."

Ned Holmes

“I think Bjarnason could be a good addition to the squad but I would question if signing him is really necessary.

“Phillip Cocu looks to have some good options in central midfield and, so I’m not sure what the Iceland international would add to his side.

“My worry would be that his arrival would have an impact on the opportunities available to 18-year-old midfielder Jason Knight.

“The teenager looks a really exciting prospect and has been in and out of the side this season, making eight appearances.

“The arrival of Bjarnason could add little in true squad improvement but push Knight further down the pecking order, which to me would be a mistake.”

Josh Cole

“Although Derby currently have a plethora of midfield options at their disposal at Pride Park, they may find it beneficial to sign Bjarnason.

“Currently without a club since leaving Aston Villa last month, the Iceland international has produced some real moments of quality in the Championship in the past.

“Whilst the form of Conor Hourihane and John McGinn limited Bjarnason to just 17 appearances last season, the 31-year-old could add something different to Derby’s midfield.

“Therefore, when you consider that the Rams do not have to worry about paying a fee for Bjarnason, it may be worth taking a risk on him.”

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