Ryan Porteous: Galatasaray yet to make formal move for young Hibs defender

Hibs have received no firm approach from Galatasaray despite reports linking the Turkish giants with a move for defender Ryan Porteous.

It is understood that the Scotland Under-21 cap has attracted the attention of the Istanbul club, who were pipped to this year’s league title by Besiktas on the final day of the campaign.

Said to have been keeping a close eye on the 22-year-old’s performances, they are apparently close to submitting a £1million bid, but it remains unclear whether that would be enough to entice the Leith side to part with their academy graduate, who has two years left on his current contract.

Owner Ron Gordon was happy to knock back a similar sum from Millwall in the January transfer window but Galatasaray are expected to sweeten the deal with lucrative add-ons, which would leave Gordon and manager Jack Ross with a choice to make.

Hibs defender Ryan Porteous has reportedly been identified as a possible target by Turkish side Galatasaray. Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group

However, club insiders have revealed that no offer has yet been made.

Porteous is one of several Hibs players linked with summer moves, having finished third in the Premiership and challenged deep into the domestic cup competitions.

Martin Boyle’s £500,000 buy-out clause makes him an attractive proposition for suitors, while Kevin Nisbet was already being pursued by several interested parties and, with the Euros stage offering him a further opportunity to shine, the Easter Road club may have to accept the loss of the striker they signed last summer. Although they will be assured a healthy profit on their initial investment.

But, other than Watford’s early approach for Josh Doig, which was spurned by the Leith club, there have not yet been solid bids for any Hibs players.

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