BBC pundit predicts English transfer for West Brom-linked Hibernian defender Ryan Porteous
Former Hibernian boss John Hughes has backed Ryan Porteous to move south of the border as the Scotland international attracts interest from West Brom.
Football League World reported (8 December) Sunderland, Norwich and Watford along with the Baggies have all shown an interest in the 23-year-old, who has turned down a new contract at Easter Road.
Hughes, who now works as a pundit for BBC Scotland, has suggested the Hibernian defender has “all the qualities” to be a top player.
“One hundred per cent Porto has a target on his back and he’s been hard done by. But that goes with the territory of being a heart-on-sleeve, full-blooded type of player,” said Hughes (quoted by The Daily Record, 9 December).
“Maybe that’s a reason to get out of Scotland. I don’t know. But at the same time, he has been capped by Scotland because he has all those qualities.
“I have no idea where he will end up but I’d expect it will be down south. He has all the qualities to go on and be a top, top defender.”
Astute
This would be a really clever signing by the Baggies, and with Porteous out of contract, this could be one they stand a good chance of getting over the line. An injection of youth defensively is certainly required for Carlos Coberan, with Kyle Bartley’s long-term form leaving a lot to be desired.
The 31-year-old has improved recently, but on the whole, he’s been extremely disappointing for the Baggies with some rash moments and poor defending so far this season. The Hibernian man would represent a younger upgrade for Albion, who would have a number of years to develop during his time at The Hawthorns.
With Porteous free to speak to other clubs in January, this is a move the Baggies must not sleep on. There will be a number of teams looking to open negotiations with the defender, and if Albion are slow to the party, there’s every chance he will end up at one of their rivals.
In other West Brom news, while Stewart is set to return, there are a number of absentees for Sunderland with two players still out due to the World Cup.