Ryan Porteous joins Preston North End on loan

Scottish defender Ryan Porteous has joined Preston North End on loan from Watford until the end of the season, reuniting with former Hibernian manager Paul Heckingbottom. The 25-year-old, who has made 25 appearances for Watford this season, expressed his excitement about the move, highlighting the need for a consistent run of games. Heckingbottom praised Porteous as an experienced international defender who can bolster the team's defense, especially in light of an injury to Jordan Storey. Porteous's loan does not include an option to buy at the end of the season. He previously joined Watford in January 2023 after a successful stint at Hibernian, where he began his professional career. His signing is part of a broader strategy at Preston to strengthen the squad amid ongoing injury concerns.