Newcastle United are interested in securing the services of Bristol City left-back Joe Bryan. According to recent reports, the Magpies are plotting a move to bring the Skybet Championship star to Tyneside with the hope that the lure of Premier League football would be enough to prise him away from the Ashton Gate Stadium.
However, they are not the only ones chasing after the Robins’ full-back with Aston Villa and Everton also interested in the talented defender’s signature. Bryan can be considered as one of the hottest prospects that the English Championship has to offer. Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez could be on the lookout for a new full-back after the club’s defensive frailties this season. The Magpies has shipped in 40 goals in 30 league matches so far and will look to 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 scored 5 goals and provided 2 assists in 40 appearances for the Robins this season across all competitions. He has immense potential which the Magpies could look to utilise in the coming years.
The Tyneside club are currently sitting in 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 real danger of suffering the agony of being demoted to the English Championship at the end of the season. They are in dire need to bring in some new faces during the summer transfer period in their quest to push on and improve on 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 Rafael Benitez’s squad.
The 24-year-old is highly versatile and can play in a number of different positions. He primarily operates as a left-back but can also be deployed in a more advanced role in the left flank or in the central midfield. It remains to be seen what lies ahead in the future of Bryan and whether he ends up moving to St. James Park in the near future.
