OPINION
Now that Newcastle United look like they are finally set to sign a striker after a hunt that has last several months, the club must turn their attention to the other positions which need reinforcement ahead of the new season.
As reported by the Chronicle, manager Rafa Benitez wants four more signings before the window closes including a striker, and one of those positions he has identified is left-back.
The club’s only viable option there at the current moment is Paul Dummett, and they could be left critically short if Benitez does not sign another left-sided flyer before deadline day ends.
One player that has been heavily linked with the Magpies is Bristol City left-back Joe Bryan, who had a hugely impressive season for the Robins in 2017/18.
The previously quoted price for the 24-year-old flyer was £6million, with the Magpies said to be unwilling to pay that amount a few days ago.
However, as reported by the Bristol Post, Bristol would now be willing to accept a deal worth £5-6million for Bryan, with power in the hands of the buying clubs due to the 24-year-old’s contract expiring next summer.
The regional newspaper claim that Bryan’s price tag is now set to keep dwindling further and further as we approach deadline day, with the Robins needing to cash in or risk losing the left-back for free in a year’s time.
And, with the price tag already having come down by £1million, Newcastle must now swoop for Bryan amid heavy competition from other sides.
Despite all the funds from the sale of Aleksandar Mitrovic not necessarily being available to spend this summer, there should be enough in the bank to fund an initial £4million offer, before increasing that to £5million should need be.
This is a minuscule amount of money for a Premier League club like Newcastle, and there is no excuse for not pursuing such a perfect deal that also represents good value for money.
They must now make a concrete offer for Bryan before they lose out on this golden chance to sign him this summer, with the 24-year-old offering the perfect solution to their problems at left-back.
