Celtic lining up move for £3million-rated defender – report
By Derek Smithson
Celtic are lining up a move for Bristol City defender Joe Bryan, according to a report.
The Daily Mirror claimed on their transfer blog on Thursday that the Bhoys are considering a swoop for the 23-year-old this summer.
It is understood that English duo Burnley and Middlesbrough are also eyeing moves for the left-back.
The report details that Bristol City do not want to sell the £3million-rated defender as he is becoming one of the best full-backs in the Championship.
Bryan is a product of the Bristol City academy and has broken into the first team at the Ashton Gate Stadium during the past few seasons.
The attack minded full-back usually operates on the left flank and has also been deployed further forward by the Robins.
He enjoyed an impressive campaign in the Championship last season for Bristol City as they finished 17th.
Bryan made 49 appearances across all competitions last season, scoring one goal and supplying five assists in return.
Football Insider verdict:
Celtic are weighing up a move for Bristol City ace Bryan and he is a highly rated talented in the Championship. The 23-year-old still has room for improvement, but has proven in recent years his qualities going forward. Brendan Rodgers already has two quality left-backs at his disposal and would likely have to sell one before brining in Bryan. Kieran Tierney and Emilio Izaguirre are the two senior full-back options at Parkhead and helped the Bhoys win a domestic treble last season. Celtic have received interest in star man Tierney and Bryan could be viewed as a like-for-like replacement, but is still someway behind the Scotland international in terms of quality.
In other Celtic transfer news, they have stepped up their interest in a European sensation.
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