Rangers unsure on sensation’s future as Man Utd, Newcastle seek talks
Manchester United and Newcastle United are reportedly both interested in signing Rangers teenage star Leon King, pouring doubt on his Ibrox future.
The 17-year-old defender has caught the eye with his displays for the Gers youth sides. Former Light Blues boss Steven Gerrard handed him a senior debut in a League Cup match against Falkirk in December 2020. He was also given just a brief taste of league football, playing four minutes of a 3-0 Scottish Premiership victory at Livingston.
The talented youngster has been capped five times by the Scotland Under-17 side. And he may be the subject of a bid in the January transfer window.
That is according to Football Insider who suggest there is now ‘fresh doubt’ over King’s future at the Glasgow outfit. It will not be the first time that Premier League clubs have shown an interest.
But Rangers have to date, managed to hold onto their prized asset after he signed his first deal in January 2020. However, with just a £250,000 compensation fee to pay, the big guns may be about to move in once again.
He will be out of contract next summer and both The Red Devils and Magpies have been linked. The duo are said to be keen to open dialogue about a pre-contract agreement in January.
They will hope to steal a march on any potential rivals when he becomes a free agent. It all means that the Gers hierarchy need to move quickly and negotiate a new contract with the youngster.
Gerrard was known to be a big admirer of the player. And, despite the former Liverpool star’s switch to Aston Villa, the centre-back is still rated highly and thought of as one for the future.
Martial tipped to shine as King linked
While King is a possible future star, one man who continues to struggle is Anthony Martial. The Frenchman, also signed as a teenager, has made just two top-flight starts this term.
But ex-United forward Louis Saha feels his compatriot is part of a group of forwards who can do serious damage.
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“On their game, no-one can touch that front four or five. Martial, when he’s on top form, he is unplayable,” he told Metro. “Putting them all in the right position and conditions and they’ll fly. But it comes back to humility and mindset.
“I’m sure they’re confident guys but they need to have the mindset of doing the things they don’t like to work hard for the team.”
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