Serie A club join Sunderland, West Brom, Millwall and Watford in race for 23-year-old | OneFootball

The Scottish Sun reported in early December that Stoke City, Sunderland, Millwall, Watford, West Bromwich Albion and Norwich City were all eyeing a move for the 23-year-old.

Porteous has scored three goals this season for Hibs and is an integral part of the side under Lee Johnson, kicking on to earn his first Scotland cap in late September.

It would appear that Udinese are in an advantageous position in looking to land Porteous due to their top-flight status, but there is still a way to go before anything is confirmed.

BBC Sport stated: “The clubs are still some way apart regarding the money required to take Porteous to Italy in January.”

The emergence of some credible competition could force the second tier clubs into action, with the latter trio possibly in a stronger position to win the race for Porteous’ signature, while they are still in receipt of parachute payments.

Centre backs are becoming more valuable commodities in modern football, no longer judged as much on their aerial ability and clean sheet record, with ball progression and passing ranges taken into account a lot more than they were in years gone by.

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Udine would be a very intriguing change of scenery for Porteous having played for the Hibees, Edinburgh City and the Scotland national team so far in the infancy of his career.

Looking at Udinese’s recent British-based recruitment, Porteous may be put off a move due to the lack of game-time that Festy Ebosele has received since arriving in the summer after leaving Derby County.

The 20-year-old was one of the most exciting players in the Championship last season, but has seen just eight minutes of Serie A action so far this term, being an unused substitute on 13 occasions.

Centre backs typically improve later on in their careers than some other positions, and development should be prioritised in Porteous’ choice of club this month.