Inter Milan Scouting Slovenia Star At EURO 2024 – Contacts With Udinese Already Underway | OneFootball

Inter Milan are scouting Slovenia’s Jaka Bijol at EURO 2024, and contacts are already underway with Udinese for the defender.

This according to today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews.

Bijol has moved on to the round of sixteen of this summer’s Euros with Slovenia.

Slovenia progressed to the knockouts as one of the best-ranked third-place teams following a 0-0 draw with England in their final match of the group stage.

And Udinese defender Bijol has started every one of Slovenia’s matches at the tournament thus far.

The 25-year-old is a key player in defense for his national team as he is for his club.

The Corriere note that Bijol plays a bit of a different role for Slovenia than he does for Udinese.

At the Euros, Bijol has been one of two central defenders in a back four defensive line. On the other hand, the Slovenian plays in the centre of a back three.

Bijol’s performances in a back four at the Euros have been solid. But the Corriere note that it has been in a back three that he has really shown his best form.

Inter Scout Jaka Bijol At EURO 2024 – Contacts With Udinese Underway

As the Corriere note, it is Bijol’s experience and adeptness playing in a back three that particularly interest Inter.

The centre of the back three is an area where the Nerazzurri will soon have to strengthen.

Both Francesco Acerbi and Stefan de Vrij are well into their thirties. And both are out of contract with Inter at the end of next June.

Therefore, the Nerazzurri will be aiming to sign a tall, physically strong centre-back with strong man-marking ability as the linchpin of their back three.

Bijol’s experience in the centre of a back three and ability to marshal his penalty area have certainly caught Inter’s attention.

Therefore, the Corriere report, Inter consider Bijol a target.

And to this end, the Nerazzurri have had scouts watching the 25-year-old closely at the Euros.

The Corriere report that Inter have already been in contact with Udinese to register their interest in Bijol.

The Nerazzurri are not likely aiming for a summer signing of the Slovenian.

De Vrij and Acerbi are still starting-quality options in defense for next season. And in any event Inter are not planning to make any big signings without sales first.

However, a move for Bijol could happen as early as next January, anticipates the Corriere.