Ryan Porteous is attracting interest from at least SIX English Championship clubs ahead of the January transfer window, according to a report.
The Hibs star - who is out of contract in the summer - won't be putting pen to paper on an extended deal at Easter Road and his club side are now set to cash in on him next month rather than lose him for nothing at the end of the season. The 23-year-old has been a key man for Lee Johnson with his exit a huge blow.
The Scottish Sun reports that West Brom, Watford, Norwich City, Stoke City, Sunderland and Millwall are all tracking the Scotland international - with a strong foreign interest also in the stopper. However, the same reports states Rangers will NOT be making a move with new boss Micheal Beale looking elsewhere for January recruits.
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Clubs south of the border are lining up to land the defender for a knocked down fee with the Leith side expected to negotiate a sell-on clause in any deal states the same report. Porteous is free to open talks with clubs from January 1.
Speaking previously about Porteous' Hibs situation, boss Johnson 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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