Michael Beale admires Ryan Porteous as Rangers transfer news emerges
Hibernian defender Ryan Porteous is admired by Rangers head coach Michael Beale after being loosely linked with the club, according to The Scotsman.
Porteous scored for Hibernian against Rangers on December 15 and again highlighted his class in the game at Ibrox, which Rangers went on to win 3-2.
Nevertheless, The Scotsman confessed that Porteous is wanted by a host of Championship clubs too and a move down South could be on the cards.
“Defence has been a problem this season, although mainly down to a horrific run of injuries,” as quoted by The Scotsman.
“Hibs’ Ryan Porteous has been loosely linked with a move across the M8.
“While he is admired by Beale, the 23-year-old is also wanted by a clutch of English Championship clubs and a move south is on the cards.”
Unlikely.
Porteous’ flame has grown in recent seasons after impressive outings for Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership and is known for his physical and dominant presence.
The defender began his career in Hibernian’s academy and made his first-team debut in 2017. Since then, he has become a regular in the team.
In addition to his club career, Porteous has also represented Scotland at the under-21 level and at 23 years old is entering the prime of his career.
A switch to the Gers however, seems pretty unlikely right now, although it’s interesting to see that Beale holds an actual interest in Porteous.
And with the Englishman’s claims to buy more homegrown talent from Scotland in future transfer markets, a move for Porteous can’t be completely ruled out just yet.
As ever, it’s tough to compete with the pulling power of English clubs but if recent centre-back performances from current Light Blues talents are anything to go by, then it’s an area in Beale’s squad that needs improvements.
In other Rangers news, a £5million twist has emerged in Southampton’s bid to sign Ryan Kent.