Premier League duo Everton and Newcastle are locked in a January battle to sign Bristol City defender Joe Bryan, according to Football Insider.
The sports news site claim the Premier League duo are both keen to sign the left-back when the transfer window reopens next month.
Football Insider claim that Everton and Newcastle have been making regular checks on Bryan, 24, this campaign and are ready to make January moves.
It is said that Bryan’s outstanding form is key to both clubs pushing strongly for the deal to be done as left-back has been a problematic position for both sides this season and they are keen to solve their issues by adding to their squads next month.
Bristol City are keen to keep hold of Bryan as they look to maintain their own bid for promotion from the Championship.
OPINION
The word from regular Championship observers is that Bryan is the real deal. He has been regularly linked with the division’s big guns, but the reliable Football Insider claim that the Premier League heavyweights now want in on the action. It is little wonder, given the left-back difficulties at Everton and Newcastle. Sam Allardyce has coaxed some solid displays out of stand-in Cuco Martina at left-back but needs a left-footer to compete with the injured Leighton Baines. At the Magpies, there are similar issues, with Javier Manquillo and Chancel Mbemba forced to fill in for first-choice left-back Paul Dummett. Bryan has been integral to Bristol City upsetting the odds to fly in to third spot in the Championship table with a number of outstanding performances. The City academy product is undoubtedly one of the best young left-backs outside the top flight and would be a fine addition for Everton or Newcastle.