An update has emerged on Glasgow Rangers and their pursuit of Ryan Porteous ahead of the January transfer window…
What’s the talk?
Journalist Dean Jones has claimed that the Gers are not close to sealing a deal to sign the central defender, although he is a player of interest to the club.
He told GIVEMESPORT: “It feels like this got blown out of control a little bit in recent times, as people are playing down the prospect of an imminent move.
“Clearly, it has been one on the radar, but I still feel there might be some ironing out to do.”
Speaking on Clyde Super Scoreboard, via The Sun, Jim Duffy recently claimed that the Light Blues could sign the 23-year-old ahead of Celtic: “I have heard that there is a little bit of a suggestion that he may be going across the road to their greatest rivals.
“So, I have heard that, whether there’s that much in it but that’s something that’s in the air on the football grapevine should we say.”
Blow for Michael Beale
The claim from Jones could come as a blow for the new Gers head coach as it suggests that the club are not closing in on the new signing.
This surely represents a setback for the Light Blues boss as Porteous has been in terrific form for Hibernian this season and would be a fantastic addition to the squad.
The central defender has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.29 and won 68% of his duels in the Premiership across 16 appearances so far this term, whilst Connor Goldson’s score of 7.24 is the highest among the Gers centre-backs in the top-flight.
John Hughes recently backed him to succeed at Rangers, saying:
“He has become a much better footballer over the last couple of years too. And he is still evolving and will be even better. Nothing intimidates Ryan. Going to Ibrox is not a problem for him. That’s the kind of guy you want in your team.
“A lot of people mention his temperament. If you take that out him then you’re not getting the same player.”
In possession, Porteous has completed 80% of his attempted passes and created 1.2 chances per match for his teammates, despite playing as a centre-back. This shows that he has value on the ball, as well as off it, and that he could play an important role in the build-up for Beale.
Therefore, people playing down a transfer for Porteous will come as a blow to the former Liverpool coach as he has the quality to be a superb signing for the Light Blues, given that his performances have been at a level above that of the manager’s current options this term.