Everton are interested in signing defender Joe Bryan from Championship side Bristol City, according to the Mirror.
The newspaper claims that the Toffees are in the race for the 24-year-old alongside Premier League duo Newcastle and Brighton.
It is understood that Everton manager Sam Allardyce is impressed by the left-sided flyer and is on the search for a new left-back to fix a problem area.
However, the report details that Newcastle are ready to steal a march and are preparing a bid for the full-back.
Promotion chasers Bristol City would want around £7million in return to agree a sale in January.
Good move for Everton?
Everton need a new left-back in the remainder of the January window due to Leighton Baines injury’ and Cuco Martina is average.
Bryan is an interest proposition at Ashton Gate and he could be worth the gamble for the Toffees.
The attack-minded left-back has scored four goals already this campaign and helped his side reach the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.
He looks like he cold make the step up to the top flight, but the only concern would be that he has never played in the Premier League before.
Bryan is beginning to mature now as a 24-year-old and could be a snip price at £7million for Sam Allardyce’s side.
This Is Futbol rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
Everton could definitely pick up Bryan this month to solve their defensive issues and Bristol City may be unable to keep hold of their prized possession.
However, it is Newcastle that must be considered frontrunners at this moment in time as they prepare to make official contact.
This Is Futbol rating: 6/10