Naturally, during the January transfer window, clubs in the Championship were rightly keen to explore their options when it came to strengthening their squads.

When a player has been particularly impressive, they tend to catch the eye of several of these football clubs, and that was certainly the case with then Hibernian defender Ryan Porteous back in January.

Indeed, a report in December explained that there were at least six Championship clubs interested in trying to sign him during the January window.

Not only had Porteous been performing well in Scotland, but his Hibernian contract was due to expire this summer, meaning he was likely to be available for a cut-price fee.

The above report name-dropped several Championship sides, including: Sunderland, West Brom, Watford, Norwich City, Stoke City, and Millwall.

But it turned out they were not the only interested clubs, either.

Blackburn Rovers, too, were keen, with their boss Jon Dahl Tomasson confirming as much during the window last month.

In the end, it was play-off chasing Watford that won the race for the 23-year-old central defender's signature, with the deal being confirmed on the 27th January - just a few days prior to the window slamming shut.

 

 

The price paid by the Hornets is reported to have been just £450,000, as per BBC Scotland.

Now, whilst the likes of Sunderland, West Brom, Blackburn and the other aforementioned clubs were no doubt gutted about missing out on Porteous at the end of last month given the bargain nature of the deal, they will surely be absolutely kicking themselves now having seen how the Scotsman has started his career at Vicarage Road.

The 23-year-old made his debut for the Hornets in a 2-2 draw away at Reading last month, and despite the lack of clean sheet, his ability and personality was there for all to see, and he even managed to get on the scoresheet with a header from a set-piece.

Then, in his second match, partnered alongside fellow January recruit Wesley Hoedt last weekend, Porteous once again looked a huge upgrade on anything the club have in terms of central defensive options, earning widespread praise on social media from Hornets supporters.

Finally, away at Burnley last night against the league leaders, Porteous played a major role in an admirable defensive Hornets display that only came unstuck in the 95th minute.

So far, then, Porteous' fine displays have earned him a very respectable 7.13 match rating on WhoScored, but not only that, supporters are incredibly excited to have him at the club.

The reported fee paid is already looking an absolute steal for a player, dare I say, that looks like a future club captain.

Indeed, then, if I were Sunderland, West Brom, Blackburn, or any of the other sides who were in for Porteous in January, I sure would be kicking myself right now for not getting a deal over the line for the Scottish defender.