Serie B side Empoli are plotting a transfer raid for Aston Villa midfielder Birkir Bjarnason before Friday’s deadline, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Italian publication claim in their print edition (Tuesday, 14 August) that the second tier side are keen on taking the 30-year-old mainstay back to the division that he left three years ago, joining the Villans from Pescara in 2015.
The Icelandic international has made 39 appearances for Steve Bruce’s side since joining, and has appeared in both of their league matches this season, netting a dramatic 94th minute winner to secure a 3-2 victory over Wigan Athletic on Saturday (11 August).
Opinion
The fact that Bjarnason is being used regularly by Bruce indicates this will be a difficult move for Empoli to pull off, and the only way it would likely happen were if the Villans could bring in a replacement on loan before the end of August. He might not be one of the big names in the Villa squad but what he does bring is a lot of experience and that is absolutely crucial going forward. Losing that could have a big blow on how the club manage matches, for he knows how to dictate play and will keep going until the last minute – as proven with his winner against Wigan. Unless the Italians come up with a sensational bid, the Championship side will be confident of keeping him past the end of August, especially if he does not fancy a return back to Italy’s second tier. However, if he does want a lifestyle change, then it might be more difficult to convince him to stay on at Villa Park.