Former Sunderland boss Lee Johnson says Hibernian are willing to listen to offers for centre-back Ryan Porteous. The Black Cats are among a number of clubs reportedly interested in a move for the 23-year-old Scotland international.
Johnson, who is now in charge of Hibs, says he has no concerns over Porteous' professionalism as he continues to select him for action, despite his contract expiring at the end of the season. West Brom, Norwich City and Watford have been named as the English clubs interested in acquiring his services, who would be a free agent at the end of the current campaign.
Clubs from across Europe are also reportedly keen on Porteous, who made his debut for Scotland in September earlier this year. When asked about Porteous' focus, Johnson said: “Yeah, I’m 100 per cent confident on that.
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“I’ve maintained a really good personal relationship with Ryan over this period of time, and that’s because there’s a respect for how he is in training, for his personality, for his will to win. I would never put a player out on the pitch that I didn’t think was committed to Hibs, and that won’t change.
"In Ryan’s case, I do believe he is committed to Hibs because I see it every day. I see the professionalism and the attitude.”
Porteous will become a free agent at the end of the season and Hibs would not be able to get any compensation given the age of the player.
“We’re not shying away from the fact we will trade Ryan,” Johnson added. “If the price is right and there is logic behind the offer we receive – and to date I don’t believe we’ve had any offers – and we can justify potentially bringing in a new recruit or pushing that money into various parts of the business, then of course we’ll look to do it.
“We’ve got enough bodies, so there is a succession plan.”
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