Championship hopefulls Bristol City would not ask for much if Joe Bryan leaves for the Premier League with Newcastle United, Brighton and Everton keen.
The Robins’ left-back opened the scoring in the 2-1 win with a stunning strike into the far corner. And with the Toffees on the lookout for a long-term Leighton Baines successor, Bryan could hardly have produced a more impressive audition.
And it seems that the Goodison Park fanbase could get their wish. According to the Mirror, Everton are battling Premier League rivals Newcastle United and Brighton for the signature of the Bristol-born flyer.
And it is understood that Bristol City will demand about £7 million; a snip in today’s inflated market.
After all, it must be pointed out that such a fee would make Bryan only marginally more expensive than Baines was when Everton signed him from Wigan Athletic over a decade ago.
The 24-year-old has taken his game to a new level this season with Bristol City putting together a surprise promotion push and his quality in the final third, reflected by four goals in all competitions, suggests he could replace the influential but ageing Baines on Merseyside.
With the likes of Aaron Cresswell, Alex Tells and Patrick Van Aanholt set to cost far more, Bryan is a bargain that cannot be ignored.
Newcastle, too, should take note of his surprisingly low price-tag.
The Magpies need a left-back to provide competition for Paul Dummett and, even though Kenedy looks set to arrive on loan from Chelsea, Bryan would be a signing not just now but for the future too.
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