Ryan Porteous replacement lined up by Hibs as Watford prepare to make move for Scotland international defender
WATFORD are ready to step up their interest in Ryan Porteous — and could sign the Hibs ace on a pre-contract deal this month.
Scotland star Porto is being tracked by the Hornets, along with other English clubs, and he could be offered terms.
Watford would prefer to take Porteous for nothing in the summer but could arrange a small fee if Hibs play ball.
Rivals Hull City are among a host of English Championship clubs interested. Watford’s need for a leader is clear after the 4-0 hammering by Swansea on Friday.
Hibs are keen on Burnley centre-half Kevin Long as a replacement but face a fight with top-flight rivals Aberdeen.
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Long has fallen out of favour under Vincent Kompany at Turf Moor and wants regular first-team football to stay in Ireland boss Stephen Kenny’s plans.
Meanwhile Brentford are ready to make a move for Sunderland hitman Ross Stewart.
The ex-St Mirren man is locked in contract talks with the Black Cats but is some way from agreement on terms, so the club may have to listen to a serious bid.
The Bees have started intensive checks on the former Ross County striker who is back in Tony Mowbray’s in-form team after injury.
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Sunderland’s terms amount to around £10,000-a-week for Stewart which is almost three times his current salary.
But he could earn more elsewhere, especially moving up to the Premier League.
Brentford are now sweating on a potential lengthy betting ban for top scorer and talisman Ivan Toney, who is also injured after an awkward fall against West Ham.
Thomas Franks will look for a similar type to fill the gap and Stewart fits the bill.
The former St Mirren and Ross County forward has previously been linked with moves back to Scotland in recent transfer windows with Rangers.
He is also being watched by Greek champions Olympiakos.
Since moving to Sunderland Stewart has been capped by Steve Clarke and become one of the hottest strikers in the Championship, firing the Black Cats to promotion last year and fourth in the second tier this term.
Elsewhere, former Hearts striker Ellis Simms has been recalled by Everton.
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