Hibernian defender Ryan Porteous admits he ‘likes the idea’ of moving to a new league amid interest from Championship trio West Brom, Sunderland and Norwich City, speaking to Sky Sports.
As the Scottish Premiership returned following the World Cup break on Thursday evening, Porteous appeared to add yet another string to his already well-stocked bow.
The 23-year-old Scotland international started in an unfamiliar defensive midfield role against Rangers and looked as if he’d been playing in such a position all his career, snapping into tackles and helping give the hosts a major scare on Mick Beale’s managerial debut in charge of the Glasgow giants.
According to The Sun, a host of clubs in England’s second tier are keen; Norwich, Sunderland, Watford and West Bromwich Albion among them.
And Porteous, who has no intention of extending a contract which expires next summer, is keen on a fresh start and a new adventure after spending the entirety of his career north of the border.
Norwich, Sunderland, Watford and West Brom like Ryan Porteous of Hibernian
“I do like the idea of moving to a different league and testing myself there,” Porteous explains. “I think there’s a lot of boys that have left Scottish football and flourished. Whether that be down south or abroad.
“I do really like the idea of moving to a different league and challenging myself.
“I’ve been here for a long time. Maybe it comes to that stage in everyone’s career where you need to be taken out of your comfort zone. See a new challenge. Take that in your stride. And see how good you can become as a player.”
Porteous was singled out for praise by Gers boss Beale at full-time, adding fuel to the speculation fire as the Edinburgh-born colossus continues to be linked with a January move to Ibrox.
According to Hibs boss Lee Johnson, however, Porteous has not spoken to him regarding a controversial switch to the Europa League runners-up.
“I’ve spoken to him on a regular basis about potential options,” the former Sunderland boss explains. “And he’s asked my advice on various clubs; Championship clubs, foreign clubs and stuff like that.
“But Rangers is not one of the ones that have come up.
“I’m not saying that doesn’t mean they’re in for him. But maybe they haven’t been as prominent as some of the other clubs. There are obviously potential suitors out there. I know the clubs that are interested. But no one has gone; ‘bosh, there’s a deal’.”
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