The left-back slot has been an area of concern for Leeds United ever since the departure of Charlie Taylor to Burnley last summer. During the brief reigns of Thomas Christiansen and Paul Heckingbottom last term, efforts were made to bolster the aforesaid slot. However, the Yorkshire based outfit failed to lay their hands on a suitable and reliable replacement for Taylor.
Leeds United were in a stuttering form throughout the last season and they couldn’t really make their presence felt in the promotion race. Despite the appointment of Marcelo Bielsa at the helm of the Elland Road outfit, there has been an apparent lack of activity in the ongoing transfer window. The Whites have completed just the two loan signings in Jamal Blackman and Lewis Baker so far.
However, there is still time for the transfer window to shut down and according to the latest report by Bristol Live, Leeds United are in hot pursuit to make Bristol City left-back, Joe Bryan, sign on the dotted line. Apart from them, Newcastle United, Fulham and Middlesbrough have also put him on their radar and this implies that it wouldn’t be easy for Bielsa’s camp to sign him.
Bryan is predominantly a left-back but is capable enough to ply his trade as a right-back as well as a midfielder on the left. His versatility, pace and the fact that he is an Englishman implies that he isn’t going to come for cheap. The 24-year-old is a modern day fullback and as is the norm these days, he grabs the chance to maraud up the pitch to join his teammates in their attacking endeavours.
He caters to his defensive duties meticulously and is a tough tackler and an astute reader of the game. In 43 appearances in the Championship for Bristol City last season, Bryan scored 5 goals and also mustered 3 assists. Besides, he also garnered 2.9 tackles, 1.8 interceptions, 3.1 clearances and 0.3 blocks per game on an average and no wonder he is monitored by so many clubs.
Bryan is entering the final year of his contract with the Robins and reportedly, he is not prepared to extend his stay at the Ashton Gate Stadium. Notably, he has garnered plenty of experience under his belt and has the know-how of the Championship. With Laurens De Bock and Tom Pearce being far from satisfactory during the previous season, the Peacocks must leave no stone unturned to try to lure Bryan to their arsenal.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored
