According to TeamTalk, highly-rated Bristol City defender Joe Bryan is interesting both ourselves and Everton ahead of the January transfer window – the man rated as ‘the best left-back in the Championship’.
Benitez has made it known that he’d like to add to his options at left-back (with Dummett being the only naturally left-sided full-back at his disposal at present), so Bryan’s form at Bristol City could well have caught his eye.
The 24-year-old has been a big part of Bristol City’s strong start to the Championship with the Robins sitting in 3rd place in the second tier – just 4 points from the automatic promotion places.
Newcastle eye move for Bristol City left-back Joe Bryan. #nufc #BristolCity https://t.co/mnTgqoNoLO
— Pete O'Rourke (@SportsPeteO) August 15, 2017
The report claims that Bryan has been watched by both Newcastle and Everton scouts on a ‘number of occasions’ this season, with both said to be weighing up a January move.
He has 4 goals and 2 assists this season and was the man of the match in Bristol City’s quarter-final cup win over Manchester United last night. Here’s his superb goal that gave them a 1-0 lead:
WATCH: "What a strike! That is phenomenal!"
Scenes at Ashton Gate after Joe Bryan's stunning goal.
Watch on Sky Sports Football or follow here: https://t.co/L1QCATp57V https://t.co/OYA9Mvuj08
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 20, 2017
Fans were clearly impressed by what they saw last night:
Joe Bryan is Sky Sports man of the match. Outstanding tonight. Best left-back in the Championship at present.
— Barry O' Mahony (@barryomahony4) December 20, 2017
Tonight we witnessed one of the truly great performances by a @bcfctweets player. Joe Bryan was simply phenomenal.
— Yann Tear (@YannTear) December 20, 2017
Joe Bryan take a bow wow ????
— Yannick Bolasie (@YannickBolasie) December 20, 2017
We will struggle to keep hold of Joe Bryan, unreal tonight
— Har (@hughesharryy) December 20, 2017
A stunning goal and stunning performance, but one that may only make him harder for us to sign in January if our ‘interest’ does turn out to be true.