Newcastle United’s move for Bristol City left-back Joe Bryan ‘is on’, according to reliable journalist Alan Nixon.

Bristol City’s Joe Bryan has been in the cross-hare of Rafa Benitez for several transfer windows now, and could join Newcastle United this summer.

When questioned about the potential transfer this morning, Nixon said,

“Those close to it say it’s on … can’t see that there would be a problem with it.”

The fee is thought to be around £6m, as the Premier League club look to bolster their defensive options going into the 2018/19 Premier League season. It was reported here on The72 that Newcastle United had revived their interest in Bryan, and a deal looks to be on the cards after beating Southampton and Everton to the 24 year-old.

Benitez previously looked at taking Bryan to St James’ Park when the club were relegated in 2016, but City resisted the interest. Lee Johnson managed to stave off further interest from The Toon after their promotion, as Benitez looked to bring in a new left-back to replace the then injured Paul Dummett.

Bryan has spent his entire career with Bristol City, making 229 appearances for the Ashton Gate club. He made 43 appearances in the Championship last season, and scored the first goal in a historic 2-1 win over Manchester United in the EFL Cup Quarter-Final.

Bryan is a versatile full back with attacking intent. He has spent a large part of his career playing in left-midfield, and has also played in centre-midfield on occasion.

Lee Johnson would be massively disappointed to lose Bryan. His attacking intent, pace and stamina has made him a valuable asset over the past few seasons. City may yet resist Newcastle’s interest once again, but the call of Premier League football may be too attractive for Bryan to resist once again.