Former Premier League winner Martin Keown was left impressed by what he saw from an Aston Villa transfer target whilst on commentary duty at Euro 2024.
After the sales of Tim Iroegbunam, Omari Kellyman and Douglas Luiz saw Aston Villa safely navigate the Premier League PSR deadline on Sunday, attention has turned to incomings.
That will be music to the ears of manager Unai Emery, who is set to embark on a Champions League campaign whilst trying to maintain the club’s progress in the Premier League.
Monday saw the arrival of Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea from Juventus as part of the Luiz deal, as well as the £5 million arrival of Ross Barkley.
Emery is now keen to improve his defence this summer, which has led to the club being linked with a move for Udinese centre-back Jaka Bijol.
Martin Keown impressed by ‘really good’ Aston Villa target Jaka Bijol
The Slovenia defender put in a remarkable display as his country stopped Portugal scoring in 120 minutes of their Euro 2024 round of 16 clash on Monday night.
After drawing 0-0 after 90 minutes of normal time and the additional 30 minutes of extra-time, Slovenia suffered penalty shootout heartbreak as they saw all three of their spot-kicks saved.
A horrible way to exit the tournament after a heroic display in the biggest game in the nation’s history, the Slovenian players can hold their heads high.
One in particular who stood out on the night was Villa target Bijol, who seemed to be on hand to stop Portugal at every sniff of a chance.
After yet another headed clearance in the 82nd-minute of the game, Guy Mowbray – on commentary duty alongside Keown for the BBC – said: “Guess who was there again, Jaka Bijol of Udinese in Italy, he has been just outstanding”
Keown – who made 122 appearances for Villa in his playing career – agreed as he commented: “Yep. Him and his colleague alongside him.”
The former central defender then went on to explain the area in which Bijol and his partner Vanja Drkusic excelled, saying: “They’re really good at crosses, picking up, you try and coach that now with kids: man and ball, don’t show your opponent your number, be in a good position, be aware of him.
“They’re just dealing with Ronaldo nicely.”
Bijol would be a solid addition to Aston Villa defence
Bijol has certainly see his stock rise with his performances in Euro 2024; a key part of a defence which conceded just two goals from their four games.
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After shutouts against both England and Portugal, Villa can be confident of the Udinese defender’s ability to compete with the best and could now step up their efforts to sign the 25-year-old.
Whilst Udinese’s asking price for any potential sale has not been reported, Bijol is valued at around £11 million by Fotmob.
However, the centre-back has three years left on his current deal which puts his club in a strong negotiating position.
Villa will hope Bijol’s impressive Euros will not see his fee increase too much, but they are sure to face competition for the 6ft 2in defender.
