Reliable journalist claims NUFC are not willing to pay £6m asking price for Rafa Benitez target

According to reputable North-East reporter George Caulkin, Newcastle have made contact with Bristol City over the signing of Joe Bryan – but suggests we are currently  refusing to pay their £6m asking price.

He’s out of contract next summer – which is probably the reason we’re not prepared to pay a great deal – however £6m for a player of his age and potential really is peanuts; especially when his recent form suggests he’s every bit good enough to play in the Premier League.

The 24-year old enjoyed stunning season in the Championship last year and has been described as the best full-back in the second tier, however it looks like Mike Ashley and co. are currently refusing to match their asking price – despite it seeming a VERY reasonable fee.

Here’s what George Caulkin (The Times) has had to say on Twitter when asked about our interest in the Bristol City star today:

“Have asked and told not for £6m, but not sure how helpful that is.”

He then said the following when asked if it’s a case of ‘we won’t pay £6m or do Bristol want more?’:

“The former I think (suggesting NUFC won’t pay their £6m asking price)” 

See the exchange for yourself below:

Have asked and told not for £6m, but not sure how helpful that is. And no you won’t!! ?

— George Caulkin (@CaulkinTheTimes) July 26, 2018

The former I think.

— George Caulkin (@CaulkinTheTimes) July 26, 2018

I know we’re having to count our pennies and spend wisely given the miserly budget Benitez has been handed by Mike Ashley, but refusing to pay as little as £6m for Bryan could be a big mistake.

I have little doubt about his ability to play in the Premier League and, with Wolves, West Ham and RB Leipzig all linked, it sounds like we seriously risk missing out on another Rafa Benitez target if we don’t budge.

Surely worth a punt at just £6m?!