Sunderland reportedly wanted Bristol City left-back Joe Bryan – but what chance do they have with Celtic joining the race?
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers still has work to do
How can Brendan Rodgers top his debut season at Celtic? One in which The Hoops lifted only the fourth domestic treble in their history and didn’t lose a single game on Scottish soil across the entirety of the 2016/17 campaign?
Well, it’s pretty much impossible. But Rodgers will know that standing still will surely mean their nationwide supremacy will be subjected to far more credible threats. After all, Rangers are making intriguing strides in the transfer market with a raft of additions while Aberdeen will go again after manager Derek McInnes confirmed he is staying put at Pittodrie.
Therefore, it seems that Celtic will use the transfer market to ensure that they remain one step ahead of their rivals. And that could mean reinforcing a squad that appears almost peerless on paper.
Reports suggest that Bristol City left-back Joe Bryan is a target for Celtic this summer. Though homegrown favourite Kieran Tierney is expected to stay, reports in The Express that Liverpool have joined Manchester United in following his progress means a contingency plan isn’t the worst idea.
Bristol City’s Joe Bryan
Like Tierney, Bryan is an uber-attacking modern full-back, capable of dominating the flank with his speed, perfectly timed runs and excellent deliveries. The 23-year-old, who has spent his entire career with Bristol City, was one of the most consistent full-backs in the Championship last season.
And the prospect of swapping relegation dogfights at Ashton Gate for Champions League football at Parkhead should at least appeal.
Life of Bryan
Furthermore, news that Celtic have joined the race wont go down well in Sunderland. The Mirror claimed that The Black Cats were plotting a summer move for the £2.5 million-rated Bryan with Bryan Oviedo making clear that he really doesn’t see himself in the Championship next season.
However, with still no manager in place, and owner Ellis Short growing increasingly frustrated with his inability to attract a buyer, the doom and gloom surrounding the stadium of Light is deepening by the week.
A threadbare squad, decimated by summer departures, is set to begin pre-season training and, as it stands, Sunderland look hugely unprepared for one of Europe’s most gruelling leagues.
Therefore, Bryan could be forgiven for choosing Celtic over Sunderland this summer.
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