Watford head coach Tom Cleverley has revealed interest in defender Ryan Porteous , with Hull City rumoured to be one of the clubs attempting to lure him away from the Hertfordshire club.
Porteous, a Scotland international, has been a fixture in the Hornets’ squad this season, appearing in 20 of their 26 games and scored twice, including 90 minutes in a 1-1 tie with City at the MKM Stadium in November.
City are looking to reinforce their defensive ranks in January and have been watching Willy Boly, but the deal is said to be tricky given Nottingham Forest’s unwillingness to let him leave at such a critical time of the season.
The Tigers were interested in recruiting Porteous while he was at Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership before he signed a contract with Watford until 2027 in January of last year for a rumoured six-figure amount.
“I spoke with Ryan this morning, and we cleared the air,” Cleverley told reporters ahead of the FA Cup match against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Thursday night.
“I’m not sure where the reports came from, and I don’t believe there are any quotes in the story. He is one of several of our players who have sparked some curiosity, but Ryan is now a Watford player and is in the running for selection.
“He is professional and seasoned enough to keep his focus on the task at hand. He’s a Watford player, he’s available for selection, and he’s completely focused on performing his job for the club.”
