{"id":540502,"date":"2020-01-17T04:48:34","date_gmt":"2020-01-17T09:48:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonfootball.com\/?p=540502"},"modified":"2020-01-17T04:49:20","modified_gmt":"2020-01-17T09:49:20","slug":"report-southampton-target-fulham-joe-bryan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2020\/01\/17\/report-southampton-target-fulham-joe-bryan\/","title":{"rendered":"REPORT: Southampton Target Fulham Left-Back Joe Bryan"},"content":{"rendered":"

An extremely popular club amongst the English tabloids, Southampton<\/a> have so far been linked to a number of players this transfer window. However, despite all of the rumours and reports, the Saints have yet to make a move. That said, a new rumour from the Football Insider does carry with it some weight. According<\/a> to a report from Pete O’Rourke, Southampton have now set their sights on signing Fulham<\/a> left-back Joe Bryan<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Report: Southampton Target Fulham Left Back Joe Bryan<\/a><\/h2>\n

Ralph Hasenhuttl Keen on Improving Strength at Full-back<\/h3>\n

Currently sporting just three senior side fullbacks, Southampton have struggled all season with depth at the position. This struggle has been especially prevalent in the left-back position. Outside of Ryan Bertrand<\/a>, Southampton’s only other true left-back is current youth academy star Jake Vokins<\/a>. In fact, this season Southampton has already been forced to play both Kevin Danso<\/a> and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg<\/a> at the position.<\/p>\n

While Vokins did perform spectacularly in Southampton’s most recent FA Cup win, there are doubts about his first-team readiness. Because of this, it is no wonder why Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has targeted<\/a> the fullback position in this transfer window. In fact, in recent days the rumour mill has only seemingly become more active.<\/p>\n

Linked<\/a> to Tottenham Hotspur<\/a> prospect Kyle Walker-Peters<\/a>, all signs are pointing towards the Saints improving at the fullback position. In recent days, all eyes on the South Coast have now turned towards the London-based Joe Bryan. The 26-year-old left-back currently plays for Fulham and has since become a wanted man this month.<\/p>\n

Interest Extremely High in Joe Bryan<\/h3>\n

Outside of the rumoured interest from Southampton, the Englishman has also attracted interest<\/a> from both Watford<\/a> and Serie A<\/a> side Atalanta. The 26-year-old has become an extremely popular figure in recent weeks thanks to his ability as well as his strong injury history.<\/p>\n

Joining Fulham from Bristol City last season, Joe Bryan made 28 English Premier League<\/a> appearances for the Cottagers. Missing just five matches through injury, Joe Bryan also made 27 starts for the London-based club last season. Now six months into his second season with the side, Bryan has made an additional 26 appearances in the EFL Championship<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Showing incredible consistency, Bryan has also shown the ability to play multiple different positions. In fact, over the course of his career, Joe Bryan has made 109 appearances<\/a> as a midfield player. An amazing number considering the Englishman has only made 152 appearances at his primary left-back position.<\/p>\n

Combining all of this together along with Leicester City’s interest in Ryan Bertrand<\/a> and the \u00a37-million Englishman is a player Southampton must land.<\/p>\n

Main Photo<\/p>\n

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Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n