Transfer Story
As per one of the latest reports by Sky Sports, Middlesbrough are keen to lure Joe Bryan to the Riverside Stadium this summer. Apart from the Smoggies, their fellow promotion aspirants Aston Villa are also in the race to make him sign on the dotted line.
Both the club have had their offers of around £4m to £6m accepted by Bristol City and apparently, Bryan is deciding his future at the moment. It will certainly be intriguing to see which club has the last laugh in the tug-of-war for attaining the services of the left-back.
Fact File And Attributes
Bryan emerged through the youth ranks of Bristol City and after loan spells with Bath City and Plymouth Argyle, which enabled him to brush up his ingredients, he has been a regular figure for the Robins. He has accumulated plenty of experience of English second tier under his belt.
The Scottish is one of the most valuable assets on the books of Lee Johnson and there is no denying that it will be tough for the club to fill his boots if he eventually leaves. Predominantly a left-back, he is capable of plying his trade as a left wing-back as well as a midfielder.
A modern-day full-back, Bryan has the necessary pace to gallop down the pitch and he works wonderfully with the wingers. Despite his offensive endeavours, he caters to his defensive duties in a very professional manner and is unarguably a tough tackler and an astute interceptor.
He is well-built and has the potential to absorb the pressure thrown on him by the opposition. He garnered 43 appearances in the Championship last term for his current side, during which he scored 5 goals and also registered 3 assists to his name.
Besides, he also made 2.9 tackles, 1.8 interceptions, 3.1 clearances and 0.3 block per game on an average. The 24-year-old has featured in 203 games for his current employers and was also involved in their 1-1 draw to Nottingham Forest at the Ashton Gate in their season-opening fixture on Saturday.
A Good Signing In The Offing
Tony Pulis’ side have always been known to offer resilience at the back and so far this summer, he has signed Paddy McNair, Aden Flint and Andy Lonergan to add more steel to the back line. With George Friend their only left-back, getting hold of Bryan will help Pulis in adding depth to the aforesaid position and will also bring a healthy competition for a place in the starting line-up.