Ryan Porteous has emerged as a shock transfer target for Turkish giants Galatasaray.
Porteous, 21, has been a breakout star for Hibs this season before the campaign was halted. The young centre-half made 16 appearances, scoring once for the first-team this term, taking his total game time over the past three seasons to 46 outings in all competitions.
The defender recently penned a new contract at Easter Road until 2023 so would command a decent transfer fee should Galatasary turn their interest into a concrete offer. But Herald and Times Sport understands that has not deterred the Super Lig champions from keeping tabs on the centre-back.
While there has not yet been an official bid made for the player, Galatasaray have, on multiple occasions, had Porteous watched by club scouts and have already enquired about his availability.
It is also understood clubs in Germany are keen on Porteous and have been monitoring his progress this season in the Premiership as well as domestic competitions. He has become a Scotland under-21s starlet in recent years and has been watched on the international stage.
Injury prevented Porteous from playing a bigger part for Hibs this season. The youngster suffered a serious knee injury back in January in his side's 2-2 draw with Dundee United in the Scottish Cup at Tannadice. He then went through surgery and has been making use of lockdown to return to full fitness.
He said at the time: "For me, as soon as I got the injury and I was told that it might end my season, I have been working hard and when I found out that I could be back before the split and potentially have a game at Hampden against Hearts, that is what I was working towards and striving towards. So, for that all to be taken away, it is a bit frustrating."
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