Hibernian manager Lee Johnson insists Ryan Porteous’ transfer value has rocketed to £20 million after watching him shine for Scotland.
The former Hibs centre-back started the opening Euro 2024 qualifying victories over Cyprus and Spain.
Porteous made the switch to Watford in January as he entered the final six months of his deal at Easter Road and has already made a good impression in the English Championship.
And after watching Porteous following up his hugely impressive Scotland debut against Ukraine last year with his recent showings, Johnson is adamant that the 24-year-old has now become a high value defender.
Johnson, whose club would benefit from a 20 per cent sell-on clause on any future move, said: “Yeah, I think he probably already is (a £20m player), absolutely.
“You forget I have done that. I have sold players, well the clubs I’ve been at, and he is as good as all of them, Lloyd Kelly £22.5m, Adam Webster £25m, James Tarkowski played for England.
“All these players are centre-halves, so I have a really good concept of centre-halves and their value and how they can step in.
"If Ryan was to be sold and someone big came in for him then what’s the price?
"On an international stage, against Spain, there is that realistic value. And, I hope he does go for big money because of our sell-on!”
Since his switch down south, Porteous has played nine times for Watford, scoring one goal in an impressive start to life in the English Championship.
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