Reported Derby County and Stoke City transfer target Birkir Bjarnason has refused to rule out a shock move to Qatar.

The 31-year-old has been without a club since he was released by Aston Villa in the summer, but if recent reports to be believed, he could be about to return to the Championship.

The print edition of The Sun (29/09, page 53) claimed that both Derby and Stoke are interested in signing Bjarnason and the midfielder revealed recently that he has held talks with both clubs.

However, the Iceland international, who scored two goals in 17 Championship appearances for Aston Villa last season, has also refused to rule out a shock move to Qatari club Al-Arabi - which would see him link up with Icelandic coach Heimir Hallgrimsson.

"We just see, I have to look at myself and make some decisions and see what I do," Bjarnason said following Iceland's Euro 2020 qualifying win over Andorra on Monday, as quoted by Fotbolti.net.

"I am very happy with my own performance, I have done my best and then hopefully something good will come," he added.

Bjarnason made 54 appearances for Aston Villa throughout his time at Villa Park, but he struggled to hold down a place in the team last season and was released by the club this summer following their return to the Premier League.

The Verdict 

Even though things didn't work out for him at Aston Villa, Bjarnason is a good player and he'd be a good signing for either Derby or Stoke on a free transfer.

He's got plenty of experience in the Championship and he certainly isn't afraid to get stuck in on the pitch. He'd provide both teams with some more depth and quality in midfield.

However, if his latest comments are anything to go by, it seems as though there's every chance that he could be tempted by a move to Qatar, especially as it would see him link him with Hallgrimsson.

It'll be interesting to see what happens with this transfer story over the next few weeks and where the player ends up.

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