Udinese technical director Gianluca Nani has acknowledged a concrete interest from Inter Milan in Slovenian star Jaka Bijol.
During his latest interview via FCInterNews, Nani opened the door for Bijol’s potential winter exit.
Bijol has long been on Inter’s radar.
Indeed, Simone Inzaghi’s men have identified the 25-year-old as an ideal candidate to lead the backline into the future.
Despite only recently renewing Francesco Acerbi’s contract, they are attentive to market opportunities.
Acerbi will be 37 in February, while his fellow clubmate, Stefan de Vrij, turns 33 that month.
Moreover, Inter have yet to extend the Dutchman’s expiring deal.
With the clock ticking, De Vrij could sever his long-term association with the Nerazzurri at the end of the season.
However, he could still flip that script, particularly amid a string of astonishing performances in Acerbi’s absence.
That doesn’t change the fact Inter need a younger alternative, and Bijol ticks all the boxes.
Udinese Executive Gianluca Nani Confirms Jaka Bijol Could Join Inter Milan in January
Inter could accelerate their interest in Bijol this winter.
But even if they don’t, they’ll undoubtedly make a decisive approach next winter.
On the other hand, Udinese would ideally like to keep hold of their defensive cornerstone in January.
Kosta Runjaic can’t afford to lose his best defender midway through the campaign.
However, Nani couldn’t rule out the possibility of selling his prized asset next month.
“Bijol is appreciated, we know that,” he said. “And I would add that it couldn’t be otherwise because he is talented and strong.
“We don’t want to sell our best players in January, but I cannot rule anything out.
“If such a thing were to happen, we would have to replace him adequately.
“But it’s a headache I’d rather keep for June. Anyway, I repeat, we listen to everyone because it’s part of our job.”
