Hibernian have rejected an offer from Millwall for the signing of defender Ryan Porteous, as per The Daily Record.

It was reported earlier in the week that the Championship club had made a £1million bid for Porteus, as they look to strengthen their defence in the final days of the January transfer window.

However, it now seems as though it will take a bigger offer than that if the Lions are to secure the services of the 21-year-old going forward.

According to this latest report, Hibernian have now knocked back that bid from Millwall for Porteous, which is said to have been an opening offer for the centre back.

It remains to be seen if and when Millwall might make a fresh bid for Porteous, but with two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract at Easter Road, Hibernian are in a strong position to negotiate.

Since joining Hibs from Edinburgh City in 2017, Porteous has made 77 appearances and scored seven goals in all competitions for the club, who currently sit fourth in the Scottish Premiership table.

The Verdict

This looks like it could be one that goes late into the transfer window.

Given this is said to be an opening offer from Millwall, it would seem as though the Championship side could be willing to make a second bid for Porteous at some point in the next few days.

However, Porteous' contract situation means Hibernian are under no pressure to sell the centre back during the current window, and you would imagine they will be keen to keep him if possible, given his importance to their side.

As a result, you do feel as though there could be a fair bit of negotiating still to do with this one, meaning it could be a tense end to the market for Millwall as they wait to see if they can get their man here.