Sheffield United have shown an ‘interest’ in Watford defender Ryan Porteous this winter, according to journalist Alan Nixon on his Patreon page.
Sheffield United have considered a January swoop for the centre-back. SUFC have until the deadline this evening to bring in some new faces.
Porteous, 25, is facing an uncertain immediate future at Watford amid attention from elsewhere. He has made 25 appearances in all competitions so far this season.
In this latest update regarding his situation at Vicarage Road, reporter Nixon has reported on Patreon that the Blades have looked at him recently along with Hull City. However, an injury to Jordan Storey has meant that Preston North End have now made an approach for his services.
Sheffield United are sat in 2nd place in the Championship table behind Leeds United and above Burnley as they eye an immediate return to the Premier League under the guidance of Chris Wilder.
Sheffield United have considered Watford’s Ryan Porteous
The Blades could have seen Porteous as someone to add more cover and competition to their defensive department.
It appears that Preston North End have emerged as the front runner for him now though.
Watford boss Tom Cleverley has recently said, as per a report by the Watford Observer: “I spoke to Ryan this morning, and we cleared the air. I don’t know where the reports have come from, and I don’t think there are any quotes in the stories. He is one of a number of our players that have attracted a little bit of interest, but right now Ryan is a Watford player and right in the thick of things for selection.
“He is professional and experienced enough that these things won’t take his eye off the ball. He’s a Watford player, he’s available for selection and he’s fully focused on doing his job for Watford.”
Porteous rose up through the academy ranks at Hibernian and was a regular for them at various different youth levels.
He was loaned out to Edinburgh City as a teenager to get some experience under his belt before becoming a first-team regular at Easter Road.
The Scotsman played 156 matches for Hibs and scored 13 goals before moving down the border.
What now for Sheffield United-linked Ryan Porteous?
Preston North End are trying to get Porteous amid links to Sheffield United and Hull City from Watford.
The Blades will need to look elsewhere for options in his position.
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