Kevin Kyle questions why Rangers would make move to lure Ryan Porteous to Ibrox

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Kevin Kyle has told Open Goal that Rangers would be stifling the progress of Leon King if they decided to sign Ryan Porteous at Ibrox ahead of the January transfer window – with the Gers said to be showing an interest in the defender.

Porteous has confirmed he will be leaving Hibernian. His contract expires in the summer. Hibs manager Lee Johnson says he is keen to keep the 23-year-old in January but admits that if the price is right, Hibs could be forced to cash in.

The source of Rangers’ interest is unclear, but Clyde manager Jim Duffy has told Clyde Superscoreboard that he has “heard” Rangers are interested in signing Porteous with his deal due to end. He claims £500k would tempt Hibs to sell.

But ex-Rangers and Scotland striker Kyle has questioned a potential Rangers move to sign Porteous. Despite the Hibs star scoring against Rangers last Thursday, Kyle was not impressed. He feels it was just stop King from progressing.

“I look at it and think, if Goldson is back which he is, King will play. You’re bringing through one of your youth products through the club, to then bring in a player of a similar ilk from another club? For what reason?

“Ryan Porteous will get a good move. He is a good player, I’m not trying to disrespect him in anyway. I just didn’t see enough to think he would slot into this Rangers team,” Kyle told Open Goal when discussing a move to Rangers.

Kyle: Rangers would be stifling King progress if they sign Porteous

Rangers do need centre-backs. But when they have all of their options available – they are well-stocked in that area. Goldson, King, John Souttar, Ben Davies, Filip Helander and even James Sands. The latter is more of a midfielder.

So, five first-team central defenders with plenty of Rangers experience. Yes, all five have missed games through injury this season. But Davies, King and Goldson are back. Souttar and Helander closer. Another defender is not needed.

As Kyle says, Porteous is a top defender but for a club that needs a defender. Rangers do need defenders, but in terms of their own defenders to come back. When all five are fit, you would argue Porteous probably just warms the bench.