OPINION
Everton must step up their bid to sign a new left-back in January and go all out to land reported target Joe Bryan from Bristol City.
The Mirror has reported that the Toffees, Newcastle and Brighton are all keen on signing the 24-year-old in the January transfer window.
It is understood that Sam Allardyce has been impressed by the emerging Championship star, but Newcastle are currently lining up a bid to sign him.
The report further details that Bristol City would demand around £7million to lose their left-sided flyer this window.
Everton’s left-back area has become a problem position for manager Allardyce as Cuco Martina is not the long-term solution, while the ageing Leighton Baines is currently sidelined through injury.
The Toffees need to bring in a left-back during the remainder of the January window and should consider investing £7million on a brilliant talent from England’s second-tier.
Bryan has been a key player this season for Bristol City as they compete for promotion in the Championship and has also helped his side reach the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.
The attack-minded full-back produced a man of the match display when dumping Manchester United out in the quarter-finals and looks good enough to make the step up to the top flight.
He is expected to be in action on Tuesday night in the second leg of a cup clash with Man City and Allardyce should cast his eye over the English full-back.
Bryan is an emerging talent that likes to bomb forward down the left flank and could be the successor to Baines if he continues to develop at the Merseyside club.