Former Bristol City midfielder Gary Owers believes Joe Bryan's potential homecoming at Bristol City will pose an interesting dilemma for manager Nigel Pearson in the left-back role.
Bristol Live confirmed last week that the 29-year-old is a target for the Robins this summer although they face competition from Championship rivals such as Stoke City, Blackburn Rovers, Cardiff City, Swansea City and Millwall.
Bryan is approaching the end of his contract with Fulham and has spent the season on loan with French side Nice. He has been limited to just 10 appearances in all competitions and has only played 10 minutes of Ligue 1 action since November.
City are in the market for a new left-back with Jay Dasilva's contract set to expire at the end of June. Despite being left out of the matchday squad on Monday, which Pearson put down to the balance of the substitute bench, the manager didn't completely rule out his departure by confirming he has a contract offer on the table - albeit on reduced wages.
AFC Wimbledon's 21-year-old talent Jack Currie is also a target but would be eyed as a longer-term project if he makes the step up from League Two. Bryan's return would prove a popular decision among the fanbase having come through the academy to make over 200 appearances for the Robins before his departure in 2018.
However, Owers was left questioning where he would fit into the side given Cam Pring's run of form this season. The 25-year-old has enjoyed a brilliant campaign, establishing himself as first choice left-back with a string of consistent performances.
Speaking to BBC Radio Bristol, Owers debated whether Bryan could play higher up the pitch to accommodate Pring's involvement. He said: "I think he will be a good signing, I've worked with Joe and he's a great lad. He loves the City, he was at City for a very long time and he's gone off and he's played at the highest level.
"He's been on loan for the season and it will be a really interesting one. Of course, would he play? I think Cam Pring is a really good player and I think he's a solid left-back next season. Could they bring Joe Bryan in and play him one ahead of him?
"I think Joe is better coming behind the play and playing from that left-back position so that will be an interesting one."
City are expected to move quickly to tie down the signings of new additions with moves expected to be made over the next couple of weeks. When Pearson was questioned on Bryan's potential return to BS3 last week, the City manager didn't rule it out saying his move wouldn't be for sentimental reasons.
Millwall manager Gary Rowett was also asked the question of the potential Bryan speculation after they missed out on a play off spot on the final day of the Championship season. He told the South London Press: "At this stage of the season it is transfer time – where players are going to be linked and there are ones we are going to get mentioned in the same breath as.
“We’ll have lots of targets for the summer, depending on which division we’re in and depending where we are.
“There will be lots of them. I’m not going to rule anyone in or rule anyone out. I haven’t sat down and specifically nailed down which players we are going to be looking to sign.
“He is a good player. He’s been a good player for a number of years at this level. I’m sure there will be a lot of interest from lots of teams in someone like him.”
SIGN UP: For our daily Robins newsletter, bringing you the latest from Ashton Gate
READ NEXT
