Ryan Porteous looks set to depart Hibs this month with 'several options' on the table.
The Easter Road favourite is out of contract at the end of the season and has already made it clear he won't be penning an extended deal at the club. Interest is high in the Scotland international - who is free to talk to keen parties over a pre-contract. The Hibees are likely to cash in this month to avoid losing him for nothing with Ben Kensell delivering an update to fans as he revealed a Director of Football will be appointed.
Lee Johnson picked up a much-needed win last time out against Motherwell to bring their poor run of results to an end and push themselves up towards the end of the Premiership table they would like to be playing at. Porteous played in that Fir Park triumph in what could prove to potentially be his last outing for the Leith side.
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Providing an update to fans via the Hibs official website, Kensell said: "Firstly, we have to say he’s been a fantastic servant for the club, and we’ve had nothing but positive conversations throughout. Ryan is likely to leave in this window.
"There are several options for him to choose from and we’re looking to strike the best deal possible for the club, whilst also keeping an eye on the best possible deal for Ryan."
On the decision to appoint a DOF, he added: "We haven’t been good enough on the pitch and we know that. Just before the World Cup, we started a review based on previous transfer windows and as a result of that, we have restructured. I have 100% backing from the board that we will be bringing in a Director of Football.
"In my career to date, I’ve worked with Directors of Football so I’m comfortable with this appointment and know what they can bring to the table. We now have to get the right person in place to take the club forward.
"It’s a big step, it feels like a big step and I’m delighted that we can do this. I’m really pleased with the support I’ve received from the board, and Ron is a fantastic owner that wants to take the club forward.
"I’m really pleased that we know what we’re working on, know what we have to do to get this right, and ultimately, I hope the fans feel as excited as we all do regarding this new appointment."
READ MORE:
- Aiden McGeady expects Hibs Kevin Nisbet interest and touts Rangers and Celtic as potential suitors
- Hibs boss Lee Johnson in 'one for the fans' Motherwell verdict as he hails Nisbet and McGeady
