Rangers are ‘going to be concerned’ at the recent speculation surrounding the future of defender Leon King, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.
The 18-year-old has broken into Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s first-team plans in the opening weeks of the current campaign, catching the eye with a string of impressive performances.
What is the latest news involving King?
King, who is comfortable at centre-back and right-back, has evidently earned Van Bronckhorst’s trust, but transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claims several Premier League clubs are now taking a close look at his development.
“Leon King, speaking about talents and this boy playing for Rangers, born in 2004 and started at Anfield against Liverpool in the Champions League,” said Romano on his Here We Go podcast.
“I am told that Premier League and European clubs are pushing to sign him because he is out of contract in 2024 with Rangers.
“At the moment the situation is absolutely open with his contract. Newcastle, Leeds and Manchester United have sent their scouts to follow this boy with Rangers. Leon King, one to watch.”
It remains to be seen if Rangers attempt to tie King down to fresh terms or cash-in on him while they can, but his future is likely to be a major talking point for weeks to come.
What has O’Rourke said about King?
When asked about the recent talk regarding King, O’Rourke told GiveMeSport that Rangers will be ‘hoping’ they can retain his services.
He said: “You're obviously going to be concerned if your players are being linked with some of the top clubs in the Premier League because if it comes down to finance, Rangers won't be able to compete with the clubs in the English Premier League.
“That's a no-brainer really, as well, and they'll be hoping they'll be able to keep hold of Leon King by offering him regular first-team football.
“He's now got a pathway into the first-team at Rangers, he's playing in the Champions League, so that's what Giovanni van Bronckhorst will be hoping that he might be able to use to his advantage to try and persuade Leon King to stay.”
Who else have Rangers lost?
In the past, Rangers have lost promising academy graduates for minimal fees long before they have reached anywhere near their full potential.
Midfielder Billy Gilmour made the switch to Chelsea in July 2017 while striker Rory Wilson joined Aston Villa over the summer.
Rangers will be desperate for King to break the mould and commit his future to his boyhood club by signing a new contract and rejecting the advances of the Premier League.