Close source at Rangers reacts as Ryan Porteous transfer speculation emerges after what manager said
A source inside Ibrox has claimed that rumours linking Ryan Porteous to Rangers are being pushed by the player, according to The 4th Official.
Hibernian defender Porteous finds himself out of a contract in the summer, and inevitably clubs around Scotland are lining up to try and snap up the 23-year-old.
Among those clubs is reportedly both Celtic and Rangers. Hibs recently revealed that Porteous won’t sign a new contract at the club, leaving him to sign a pre-contract agreement in January.
When asked via Clyde Super Scoreboard about Porteous’ future, Clyde boss Jim Duffy said “not to throw cold water” don’t the Celtic rumours, but also revealed “there is a little bit of a suggestion that he may be going across the road to their greatest rivals.”
With speculation of a Rangers move starting to grow, The 4th Official contacted their close source inside Rangers who revealed: “Nothing of such has been talked about by Rangers – although to be fair they were busy with the AGM. He added that this seems more driven by Porteous’ side.”
Blue over green
If the news coming out of Ibrox is true, it seems Porteous is more eager to join Rangers than Celtic.
The young defender has been superb for Hibs this season and capitalised on his great form by making his senior Scotland debut back in September.
Frankly, Porteous’ rumoured interest comes at a brilliant time for Gers. After facing a grilling at the club’s AGM, sporting director Ross Wilson is under huge pressure to back Michael Beale and rebuild what is a tired and ageing squad.
In particular, Gers find themselves stretched in defence. Porteous would be a fantastic addition to the squad – especially if he can be picked up without having to pay a fee.
Rangers’ transfer business in recent seasons has been laughable but Porteous seems like a sound investment and a shrewd bit of business.
Plus, it hands Rangers bragging rights over Celtic if Porteous does snub them in favour of moving to Ibrox. Win-win.
In other Rangers news, Leon Balogun never heard back about his Rangers contract amid ‘heartbreak’ Ibrox exit