Leeds have ‘lots of interest’ in 18 y/o starlet at Elland Road | OneFootball

Leeds United have a lot of ‘interest’ in Rangers’ highly-rated defender Leon King ahead of the January transfer window, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The 18-year-old has shone under Giovanni van Bronckhorst so far this season and has been linked with a handful of Premier League clubs on the back of his impressive displays.

What is the latest news involving King?

Fabrizio Romano has recently stated that Leeds, Newcastle and Manchester United all scouted King during Rangers’ recent Champions League defeat against Liverpool at Anfield.

“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.”

Only time will tell if any of the Premier League trio follow up their interest with a formal offer, but the fight for King’s signature could be a fierce one if he continues to go from strength to strength.

What has Jones said about King?

Leeds have snapped up several promising youngsters in recent times such as Joe Gelhardt, Wilfried Gnonto and Sonny Perkins.

Jones has informed GiveMeSport that he believes King fits in with that transfer ‘model’ as the Whites look to compete with their more affluent rivals.

He said: “Yes, lots of interest around him and it fits with the model Leeds are trying to build at the moment in terms of competing for top young talent before the bigger Premier League clubs join the bidding.”

How good is King?

King, who is comfortable at right-back as well as his favoured position in the centre of defence, has racked up 18 appearances for Rangers across all competitions.

The 6 foot ace has featured heavily in the Gers’ Champions League campaign this term, playing 206 valuable minutes in Europe’s elite cup competition.

As per WhoScored, King has averaged 2.5 tackles in his four Group A outings, more than any of his teammates, highlighting that he is far from out of place at the highest level.

Rangers will, therefore, surely be desperate to keep hold of their academy graduate for as long as possible while the likes of Leeds will be looking to prise him away from Ibrox as soon as possible.