Derby County signing reported target Joe Bryan could hinder Max Lowe’s rapid progress

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Derby County have been linked with Bristol City’s Joe Bryan.

According to HITC sources, Derby County are keen on signing Bristol City left-back Joe Bryan and saw a £3 million bid for the player turned down.

With just 12 months left on his existing deal at Ashton Gate, the Rams are said to be seeking a cheaper deal for the talented 24-year-old, but the Robins are seemingly reluctant to lose him.

After Bryan’s last-minute winner against Manchester United in the League Cup last season, manager Lee Johnson described the left-back as a player with Champions League ability.

He certainly has plenty of quality in his locker and he would be a fantastic buy for Derby. However, bringing Bryan to Pride Park could hinder Max Lowe’s rapid progress at the club.

The 21-year-old left-back broke through to the first-team set-up during the 2016-17 campaign, making several Championship appearances before injuries prompted a long-term absence.

Last season he was subsequently shipped out on loan at Shrewsbury Town in order to gain Football League experience, and despite not featuring all too much he has come back a stronger player.

Over the summer Lowe has arguably been Derby’s most impressive player in pre-season outings, and against top-quality opposition too with victories over both Southampton and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Lowe deserves to start the season as Derby’s number one left-back, and a string of first-team appearances under the guidance of boss Frank Lampard will no doubt aid his game further as he boasts plenty of natural talent.

Bryan would be another impressive addition by Lampard having already signed Mason Mount, Harry Wilson and Jack Marriott, but it would be an unfair kick in the teeth for Lowe and arguably against Derby fans’ wishes.

The Rams supporters are passionate about the club’s academy players coming through, and many feel Lowe has all the ingredients to follow in Will Hughes and Jeff Hendrick’s footsteps and play at Premier League level.