Watford linked with new name ahead of January as Slaven Bilic prepares for his first transfer window in charge

Watford are reportedly interested a winter swoop for Hibernian defender Ryan Porteous. The Hornets are being linked with a new name ahead of January.

According to Football League World, Slaven Bilic’s side are ‘keen’ on signing the Scotland international next month. However, they will have to see off competition from elsewhere if they are to land his signature with West Brom, Sunderland and Norwich City also mentioned as potential suitors.

Watford return to the action this weekend after the World Cup break and start with a home clash against Hull City. The Hertfordshire outfit are currently 4th in the league table as they eye an immediate return to the Premier League and are five points off the top two.

They could see Porteous as someone to bolster their defensive department ahead of the second-half of the season. He has already racked up 148 appearances so far in his career and is still only 23-years-old.

Hibs risk losing him for free next year with his contract up at the end of the season. Therefore, it isn’t beyond the realms of possibility that they will cash in on him next month to avoid losing him for nothing in June 2023.

Watford’s name has emerged in the frame as they prepare for Bilic’s first transfer window but they will have to bat away interest from some league rivals if they are to lure the Edinburgh-born man down to Vicarage Road.