Seagulls eye defender Bryan

Manchester City defender Kean Bryan is attracting Premier League interest from Brighton and Hove Albion following a successful year on loan at Athletic.

Bryan, aged 21, was named Young Player of the Year by Athletic after impressing hugely despite the club’s eventual relegation to League Two.

With a breakthrough into Pep Guardiola’s first-team appearing unlikely, Manchester lad Bryan would undoubtedly be tempted by the chance to join Brighton if Chris Hughton follows up on his interest with a concrete bid.

There is interest from others, but they are likely to be further down the English league system.

According to reports, Sunderland and Fleetwood Town previously had an interest in the former England youth international.

Bryan made 32 appearances in League One for Athletic last season and a further five appearances in cup competitions.

Meanwhile, Irish side Waterford face a battle to hold on to Athletic loanee striker Courtney Duffus, with both Cork City and Shamrock Rovers reported to be keen.

Waterford were hopeful they would be able to hang on to the former Ireland Under-21 international, who has been on loan from Athletic for the remainder of the campaign, which runs until October.

Duffus joined Athletic from ­Everton last summer.

Illness meant that he never really got going for them and managed just 60 minutes of league football before linking up with Waterford in January.

He has scored 10 times in 18 ­outings for Alan Reynolds’ Blues.

Athletic front-man Patrick McEleney is also being tracked by his former club Dundalk.

McEleney (24) joined Athletic from Dundalk on March 1, 2018.

FORMER Athletic goalkeeper Andy Rhodes is being linked with a move back to Boundary Park as Frankie Bunn’s assistant manager.

Rhodes, who is the father of Sheffield Wednesday striker Jordan Rhodes, could conclude his move to Athletic this week, according to the Sheffield Star.

The 53-year-old has a wealth of experience, and during his time at Hillsborough as goalkeeping coach, he has been an influential figure, outlasting five different managers in South Yorkshire.