Watford look set to win the race to sign Hibernian’s Ryan Porteous, claims Scottish Daily Express, but ‘it remains to be seen’ if Porteous joins on a pre-contract deal or for a transfer fee.
And that fee is ‘around £200,000′, according to the same report from Scottish Daily Express. Reports had emerged earlier this week claiming that Watford were leading the race to sign Porteous, 23, who’s had a number of suitors during this month’s transfer window.
But the report suggested that the Hornets would prefer a pre-contract agreement with Porteous, who looks as though he might be forced to stay with Hibs until the end of the season due to fresh injury concerns within Lee Johnson’s ranks.
Blackburn Rovers also have an offer on the table, but it looks like Watford are pulling clear of their Championship rivals in pursuit of the one-cap Scottish international Porteous. The Hornets currently sit in 3rd place of the Championship table whilst Rovers sit a point and a place behind in 4th.
Porteous on the move…
Watford look set to sign Porteous, but it’s just a question of when – now, or in the summer? The Hornets have spent well on player signings this season and a £200,000 fee for Porteous, who looks like a really promising player, is a bit of a steal for Watford.
If he arrives at the club this month then he’ll certainly bolster Watford’s promotion push. But it remains to be seen, as Hibs might want to keep Porteous around until the summer depending on their current injury list.
As for Blackburn, they look set to miss out on Porteous and manager Jon Dahl Tomasson might well have an eye on other targets ahead of next week’s transfer deadline.
Watford face Middlesbrough in the Championship this weekend, whilst Blackburn host Birmingham City in the FA Cup.
