Aston Villa are closing in on a deal for Joe Bryan with the full-back having made the move up to the Midlands.

The 24-year-old Bristolian has even had a medical with Steve Bruce's side. However according to our sources there has been a late twist.

BristolLive understands that there is late interest from Fulham in the defender.

The Cottagers have had Bryan on their list of wanted left-backs all summer as we reported several weeks ago.

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And now we understand that Slavisa Jokanavic's side have returned with an offer at the 11th hour.

Our information is that Fulham had a bid for Bryan rejected by Bristol City today although it is not yet known whether the London outfit will bid again.

It could be that Bryan is used as a smokescreen with Fulham instead choosing to pursue higher priority targets such as Matt Targett of Southampton, should they become available.

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Bryan would no doubt like to play in the Premier League and a deal with Villa is all agreed.

The hold-up in announcing the move is down to the deal now being in the balance.

It could be that Fulham return with another bid and gazump the Villans, fielding Bryan on the left flank behind Ryan Sessegnon.

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Or instead that the Cottagers choose another target and leave Bryan to complete the formalities and play the next few years at Villa Park.

It looks like Bryan's future will not be resolved until the final hours of the window and a huge day lies in wait for the soon-to-be former Robin.