Rangers have been handed a blow amid apparent links to Hibs defender Ryan Porteous, with Hull City linked amid claims from the player himself that he fancies leaving Scotland.
The Gers support have been polarised amid high-profile links to 23-year-old centre-back Porteous, who is out of contract come the end of the season.
Rangers have been mentioned as one of a number of clubs tailing the player with the links coming amid comments from Ibrox sporting director Ross Wilson regarding a focus on homegrown players.
Not exactly the most popular figure at Ibrox, Hibs star Porteous has had regular run-ins with the Rangers team and is always central to proceedings whenever the two teams meet.
Once again involved as Rangers beat Hibs 3-2 last week, the defender netting the opener in the game, Porteous’ decision to cup his ears to the Ibrox support didn’t exactly win him any fans either.
Hibs’ Ryan Porteous appears to pour cold water on Rangers linked
The defender has moved to pour cold water on the links this week when Porteous was discussing his future in the Scottish press, the player having already told Hibs about his intention to leave.
And rather than move across the Scottish Premiership, Porteous is clear that he wants to follow in the footsteps of several young players from the country’s top flight who’ve moved out of Scotland in search of fame, fortune and footballing success.
“I do like the idea of moving to a different league and testing myself there,” Porteous told Sky Sports.
“I think there’s a lot of boys that have left Scottish football that have went down and flourished whether that be down south or abroad
“I’m open to ideas and now it’s trying to figure out the one that’s best suited for me.”
The Sky Sports report claims both Stoke City and Millwall are interested down south, with Serie A Udinese also mentioned as potentially moving for Hibs defender Porteous.
This comes after the likes of Aaron Hickey (Bologna), Josh Doig (Verona) and Lewis Ferguson (Bologna) have enjoyed success in Italy.
But there is something a little bit more concrete sounding about the links to English Championship Hull City, who are reportedly set to launch a January bid for the player.
At least that’s according to the Scottish Sun, who claim the Tigers are one of several teams in the English second flight considering a move for Hibs star Porteous.
Meanwhile, one Rangers star looks set for an extended run in the first-team.
