Derby County are believed to be considering making a move for free agent Birkir Bjarnason after he left Aston Villa in the summer.

The 31-year-old was released by the west Midlands outfit after they won promotion to the Premier League and he has been without a club since.

However, Bjarnason revealed to the Icelandic media that he has been holding talks with clubs - including the Rams and fellow Championship side Stoke City.

Of course, as he is out of contract there is no rush to sort a deal and nothing appears to be imminent as the former Basel man hopes to feature for his country in upcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers against France this evening and Andorra on Monday.

Once they are out the way though, the focus will be on securing a new club and here we look at ONE winner and ONE loser if Bjarnason did end up at Pride Park...

Birkir Bjarnason

You'd have to say that the midfielder would be the big winner if he secured a move to Derby.

Firstly, he hardly excelled at Villa, so to get another Championship side who have promotion ambitions would be very lucky. Then, you factor in that he won't be match fit and also Derby have a few decent options in the middle of the park too.

Therefore, it would be a real surprise to see Bjarnason sign for the Rams and if he does he will have to thank his agent!

Graeme Shinnie

The loser in this instance would be Derby midfielder Graeme Shinnie.

The former Aberdeen man has had to be extremely patient since joining this summer and he only made his league debut against Luton last time out - where he was the outstanding player.

So, if another left-sided central midfielder came in it would be a major setback for the Scotsman who will surely feel he warrants a long run in the XI now.

 

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