Napoli are ready to join Inter Milan in the race to sign Udinese defender Jaka Bijol during the January transfer window.
This according to today’s print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via FCInterNews.
Bijol is a player who’s really come onto the radar of big clubs in Serie A.
The Slovenian has emerged as one of the Italian top flight’s outstanding defenders.
Bijol joined Udinese from CSKA Moscow in the summer of 2022. And he has looked very comfortable playing in the centre of a back three for the Friulani.
The 25-year-old’s physicality and man-marking ability have been particularly notable attributes.
And this has meant that Inter are one of the teams with the strongest interest in signing Bijol by far.
The Nerazzurri rely on players with Bijol’s profile a lot. And they are looking for a succession plan for aging duo Francesco Acerbi and Stefan de Vrij at the heart of their back three.
Napoli Rival Inter For Udinese Defender Jaka Bijol
But Inter are not the only team who highly value defenders with Bijol’s profile.
Napoli have really emphasized having a strong backline under Antonio Conte.
Summer arrival Alessandro Buongiorno has thrived at the heart of the Partenopei defense. He has typically partnered Amir Rrahmani at the back.
Both of those two centre-backs certainly offer a rugged physical presence in the penalty area.
But in terms of squad depth, Tuttosport report that coach Conte wants another option.
And Bijol would be a fairly ideal candidate. He has Serie A experience and would need little time to slot in and adjust.
Therefore, Tuttosport report, Napoli are keen to sign the Slovenian next month.
