According to some big claims on Wednesday night, Bristol City’s Joe Bryan is now set to undergo a medical at Fulham ahead of a £6m move – meaning that’s yet another left-back that looks set to be scratched o Benitez’s wanted list.
Bryan – who was one of the Championship’s top performers in 2017/18 – had been strongly linked with a move to St James’ Park last month – however it seems we were not prepared to pay £6m for a player in the final year of their contract.
Both the Bristol Post and The Chronicle had confirmed Rafa Benitez’s interest, although a deal for PSG’s Stanley N’Soki appears to have been pursued instead.
With a deal for the Frenchman now described as ‘dead’, many wondered if we’d go back in for Bryan – but it now seems as though we’ve missed the boat.
The 24-year old had looked all set to join Aston Villa, however journalist Pete O’Rourke has now revealed that he’s ‘walked out’ on a move to Villa Park at the 11th hour, with him now set for a medical at Craven Cottage instead:
Joe Bryan has walked out on a move to Aston Villa and is set to join Fulham. #AVFC #FFC #BristolCity
— Pete O'Rourke (@SportsPeteO) August 8, 2018
Given our desperate need for a new left-back and our ‘limited budget’, it really is baffling that we’ve not made a serious move for Bryan at just £6m.
Rafa may have something up his sleeve, but with time running out, no domestic loans left and little money to play with, it’s not looking great as far as a new left-back is concerned.
Six million in today’s market place would seem reasonable but… The miser’s wallet stays shut.
Virus leckworth(Quote)