Lee Johnson, the Hibernian manager, says he would like his sought-after defender, Ryan Porteous, to join an English club rather than Rangers or indeed anyone in the Scottish Premiership.
The young centre half, who is in the final year of his contract, has turned down Hibs’ offer of a new deal and is expected to leave Easter Road, prompting intense speculation as to where he might go and when.
He has been linked with a move to Ibrox, but there has been no contact between the clubs and Johnson said there had been no mention of Rangers when he talked to the player about possible destinations.
Speaking ahead of Hibs’ match against Rangers tomorrow night, when the Premiership season resumes at Ibrox, Johnson was asked if it would be better for Porteous, who often attracts the wrong kind of publicity in Scotland, to start afresh in another country.
“I would personally prefer to see him go down south,” said Johnson. “It would get him in a different market and out the way. Because I like him and if I didn’t think he was any good I’d be happy for him to be playing for one of our rivals.
“I have spoken to him on a regular basis about potential options and he’s asked my advice on Championship clubs, foreign clubs, but honestly, 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 have not been as prominent as some other clubs.”
Johnson said that Porteous, 23, reminded him of several others he had worked with, players whose value had soared in England, such as Lloyd Kelly (sold by Bristol City for £17.5 million), Adam Webster (£20m) and Alfie Mawson (who left Barnsley for £5.5m).
“I have a lot of experience with this type of player. He is right up there with Webster, Kelly and Mawson in terms of his age and potential.”
While Hibs have yet to receive an offer for Porteous, Johnson said he knew which clubs were interested. “You have seen the success of Josh Doig out in Italy. That’s a good marker for Italian clubs to look at the Scottish market. The Championship has always been hot on the Scottish market as has the Premier League. You look at the likes of Scott McKenna who went down to England and did really well.”
Johnson said that he had not given up on keeping Porteous, and joked about making him see sense, but he admits that the odds are against it. An approach for him is expected next month, but until then, the player will keep his place in the team, starting with tomorrow’s game at Ibrox.
Johnson says there is no sign of Porteous being distracted by the speculation. “I’ve seen players chuck it in training in these situations. I’ve seen them tittle tattle about the place, walking around like Billy big balls, as if they’re better than they are. But I’ve not seen any of that [from Porteous].
“I’ve seen a very humble, good guy that wants to win, who is flying into tackles in training, sometimes a bit too lively if I’m honest. All those things show signs of someone who still wants to win every game he plays for Hibs.”
