Hibs target Scotland international Stuart Findlay as Ryan Porteous replacement with defender set for January transfer
HIBS could turn to Scotland cap Stuart Findlay to replace departing Ryan Porteous and the crocked Rocky Bushiri.
Findlay is likely to be allowed to leave Oxford United this month after being dropped to the bench by boss Karl Robinson.
The 27-year-old moved back to the UK in July following a year in America’s MLS with Philadelphia Union, who bought him from Kilmarnock in 2021.
The 6ft 3in stopper was a key member of the Rugby Park side successful under Steve Clarke, with the Scotland boss then handing him an inter- national debut against San Marino soon after taking charge at Hampden.
Easter Road gaffer Lee Johnson was already in the market for one centre-half ahead of Porteous’ likely exit this month.
But he may now have to bring in two defenders.
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Porteous is the subject of interest from Watford, who lead the chase his signature, fellow Championship play-off hopefuls Blackburn Rovers, plus Udinese, who are seventh in Serie A, and mid-table Ligue 1 outfit Toulouse.
Hibs don’t want to allow Porto to leave for free at the end of his contract this summer, so will cash in now if they can.
The 23-year-old could have played his final game in Sunday’s 3-0 Scottish Cup defeat to Hearts.
And Bushiri’s season could also be over after he was stretchered off with a suspected broken leg.
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Hibees are waiting for definitive news on the extent of his injury, but fear he could be ruled out for the long term — sparking a potential crisis at the back.
Long-serving stopper Paul Hanlon has dropped out of the reckoning, while Manchester United youngster Will Fish, 19, hasn’t made an impact since joining on loan back in September.
Sunderland’s Bailey Wright, 30, is a target for Johnson, who was his former boss at Bristol City and the Stadium of Light, but they face competition from Aberdeen and Derby County to land him.
So Findlay has also come into the reckoning, with Hibs keen to lean on his Premiership experience.
The Easter Road club have seen several summer signings fail to settle into Scottish football.
Now they are looking to tried-and-tested players in key positions to help push back up the table after a run of just three wins in their last 13 league games.
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