Udinese are the latest club to join the race to snap up Ryan Porteous, according to a report.
The Hibs stopper is set to leave Easter Road in the coming weeks after deciding against extending his contract in the capital. His current terms end in the summer and they are likely to cash in next month rather than lose the Scotland international for free. He is free to discuss terms with interested parties over a pre-contract come January 1.
Interest is high in the defender with at least SIX English Championship clubs keen on bringing him on board. West Brom, Norwich, Sunderland, Stoke City and Millwall are some of those clubs said to be interested. But the Scottish Sun reports that Serie A outfit Udinese could make their move when the January window opens. Italian clubs have a recent history of snapping up Scottish talent with Aaron Hickey, Lewis Ferguson and Josh Doig all making the move to Italy's top flight over the past few years. Udinese have previously failed in a bid to sign Stephen Welsh from Celtic and have now turned attentions to Porteous.
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Speaking recently, Lee Johnson urged English Championship clubs to make a move for his star defender after contract talks ended between the player and the Hibees. They hope to agree a sell-on fee on any deal that is done for the academy graduate.
He said: “Ryan isn’t signing a new contract. We have offered a fantastic contract, a really big one for the club and, in my eyes, one that should have been offered two-and-a-half years earlier for a player of that quality.
“I’ve got no issue with Ryan at all. He turned down the best contact we could offer and, therefore, is seeking pastures new.
“Potentially a January sale would be the best idea if we realise the fee, because at that point you can reinvest the money.
“If I was a manager in the Championship, and I have been in the past, he is the exact type of player I would be looking at.”
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