Derby County step up hunt for defender
Derby County are reportedly chasing Bristol City left-back Joe Bryan, with an initial £3m bid rejected.
Bryan, 24, was an ever-present for the Robins last season, making 48 appearances, as Lee Johnson’s side flirted with the play-offs and finished 11th.
The Rams are in the market for a left-back and are said to have turned their attentions to Bryan having seen Barry Douglas make the switch to Leeds United.
But they will face competition for Bryan’s signature, with BristolLive reporting the Robins value their defender at around £6m despite his contract expiring at the end of the 2018/19 season.
“Premier League sides Wolverhampton Wanderers and Newcastle United are both interested in signing him as well as Fulham and Championship side Middlesbrough,” the paper reports.
“Newcastle have made strong enquiries about the Bristol-born left-back but are not willing to match Bristol City’s asking price as it stands.”