Sunderland have been hit with a blow to their chances of securing a deal for transfer target Ryan Porteous as the race for his signature heats up. 

The Lowdown: Sunderland eye Porteous

Earlier this month, it was reported that Sunderland are one of the clubs interested in signing the Hibernian defender.

In addition to the Black Cats, the likes of Norwich City, West Bromwich Albion and Watford were also claimed to be watching the player.

Now that the January window is approaching, the Wearside club are facing the prospect of missing out on the 23-year-old, with even more suitors getting involved.

The Latest: Hull eyeing Porteous bid

According to journalist Alan Nixon (via Sunderland Echo), Hull City have also now joined the race to sign Porteous.

 

Nixon further reports that the Tigers will look to make an offer for the player when the January window opens, and the Scottish club would be looking to pick up a hefty fee for the centre-back.

The Verdict: Sunderland must act quick

With 17 SPFL appearances to his name this season, Porteous has managed to score three goals and provide one assist for his side.

In addition to that, the defender, who has been praised for his "immense" performances by journalist Euan Booth Robertson on Twitter, has also racked up more shots at goal (29) than any other player at Hibernian.

In terms of his defensive attributes, only two players at the club have made more interceptions and successful tackles than the Sunderland target (14, 17).

His overall performances have earned the Scotsman a solid season rating of 7/10 from WhoScored, making him the highest-rated Hibernian player to have made more than one league appearance.

Taking all of this into account, it's easy to see why so many clubs have their eye on the defender and why a bidding war is bad news for the Black Cats and Kristjaan Speakman.