Derby County have had a £3m bid for Joe Bryan rejected by Bristol City, according to HITC Sport.

Bristol City are not willing to let Bryan leave on the cheap, despite the left-back entering the final year of his contract at Ashton Gate.

Derby face competition from Newcastle United, Leeds United and Wolverhampton Wanderers in this battle but firmed up their interest with a concrete offer.

The 24-year-old has played over 200 senior games for Bristol City since progressing through the academy set-up.

His ability to play as a left-back, central midfielder, attacking midfielder or on the wing makes him an appealing versatile prospect for a number of Championship and Premier League sides.

Derby are hoping to bring in a new left-back this summer and it remains to be seen whether they will increase their bid for Bryan.

The Verdict

Having sorted out the attack by bringing in Florian Jozefzoon, Harry Wilson and Mason Mount in attacking midfield and Jack Marriott in up front, it is time to bolster the defence.

Derby need a new centre-back and a new left-back and Bryan is the best they could get.

This should be their transfer priority and they should be focusing on bringing the talented left-back to Pride Park.

Bristol City and Derby fans - What do you make of this story? Let us know below...