Hull City’s hopes of signing Scotland international Ryan Porteous have been dashed as the central defender is now set to join Preston North End on loan for the remainder of the season. The deal, which was agreed between Preston and Watford, sees the highly-rated 24-year-old make the move to Deepdale, with the transfer expected to be finalized on deadline day.
Porteous, who has been a standout performer for Watford since joining the club, had attracted significant interest from multiple Championship clubs, with Hull City among the front-runners. The Scotland international has made a name for himself with his solid defensive performances, and many saw him as a key figure for Hull as they looked to strengthen their backline.
However, Preston North End moved quickly to secure his services, completing a deal with Watford just ahead of the transfer window’s final day. The move represents a significant boost for the Lancashire club, who are eager to bolster their defensive options for the second half of the season. Porteous is expected to bring both experience and physicality to Preston’s defense, which could prove invaluable as they push for a strong finish in the Championship.
While Preston has wrapped up the loan deal, there has been speculation that Sheffield United could still intervene in the race for the player. The Premier League club is reportedly keeping tabs on the situation, and should the opportunity arise, they might attempt to hijack the transfer. However, as things stand, Preston appears to have won the race for the player, with the deal now close to completion.
Porteous’s imminent move to Preston will also be a significant opportunity for him to continue his development in English football, gaining valuable Championship experience. His performances in the second tier could strengthen his case for a future in the Scotland national team, as he looks to build on his previous international caps.
For Watford, the move comes as part of their ongoing efforts to trim their squad, with the club having already made several adjustments during the January transfer window. As the deadline day draws closer, all eyes will be on how the move to Preston pans out, with both clubs hoping to benefit from the Scottish defender’s abilities on the pitch.
