Newcastle United are interested in securing the signature of Bristol City full-back Joe Bryan next summer. According to recent reports, the Magpies are eyeing a move to bring the Skybet Championship ace to Tyneside with the hope that the lure of Premier League football would be enough to lure him away from the Ashton Gate Stadium.
However, they are not the only ones in pursuit of the Robins full-back with Aston Villa and Everton also looking to secure the talented defender’s signature. Bryan can be considered as one of the hottest prospects in English football after he put in some dazzling displays in the second tier so far. Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez could be on the lookout for a new left-back following the club’s defensive frailties this season. The Toon Army saw their team ship in 40 goals in 30 league matches so far and will now hope that they can improve on that record next term.
The 24-year-old defender famously scored the opening goal in Bristol City’s high-profile victory over Manchester United in the Carabao Cup quarterfinal last year. He has found the back of the net 5 times while providing 2 assists in 40 appearances for the Robins this season across all competitions. He has massive potential which the Magpies could look to utilise in the coming years.
The Tyneside club are currently occupying the 13th position in the Premier League table with a tally of 32 points in 30 league matches. Rafael Benitez’s team still finds themselves just five points above the drop zone and are in serious danger of suffering the agony of being demoted to the English Championship at the end of the campaign. They are in dire need to bring in some reinforcements during the summer transfer window which will help them in their quest to push on and improve their league performance in the next campaign.
The addition of Bryan will undoubtedly bolster Rafa Benitez’s defensive options going into the new season. The Magpies has the likes of Paul Dummett, Javier Manquillo and Kenedy, who is on loan from Chelsea, in their ranks and the potential signing of Bryan will definitely add more competition for places in Rafa Benitez’s squad.
The 24-year-old is highly versatile and can operate in a number of different positions. He primarily plays as a left-back but can also be deployed in a more advanced role in the left flank or at the centre of the park. It remains to be seen what lies ahead in the future of Bryan and whether he ends up making a switch to St. James Park in the near future.
