Leeds United have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of a talented youngster…
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That’s according to Rangers’ new boss Michael Beale, who said in a press conference on Wednesday that his 18-year-old defender Leon King would be signing a new contract.
This came after reported interest from the Whites in October and will act as a hammer blow to them, Newcastle United and Manchester United.
The new Gers boss was quoted as claiming: “Yeah there’s positive signs with that [King deal], I think you’ll hear something in the next couple of days and one other player signing new deals, which is really important for the club…”.
Replacing Liam Cooper
This statement from Beale could act as a catalyst to spur Victor Orta into action, with a time limit now set on his pursuit.
To acquire the teenager would be a huge coup for the Spaniard, as he looks to replace their ageing captain Liam Cooper.
Having made a handful of senior appearances previously, this season has marked a breakout year for the Glasgow-born stopper. He had established himself as a mainstay at the back for Giovanni van Bronckhorst, having featured in all of their Champions League games despite their miserable campaign.
In fact, following his first start in the competition, Alex McLeish was quick to praise his defensive exploits against a vibrant Liverpool attack: “To be fair, I thought he had a tremendous game given his youth and the fact that he was going right into the cauldron.
“He was up against those three forwards who were absolutely electric to start with. He was calm and composed.”
Given it is his first full year in senior football, an average Sofascore rating of 6.84 is admirable.
Whilst recording 1.3 tackles and 1.6 clearances per game is also impressive, what makes him a more attractive proposition is his ability on the ball.
The youngster is also averaging an 88% pass accuracy this season, spurring Alan Hutton to label him a “Rolls-Royce” defender who is “very elegant on the ball”.
With their Scottish captain Cooper having seen his play time dwindle due to injuries, Jesse Marsch will be keen to find another who can perform to the levels of his 2020/21 campaign.
The 31-year-old recorded a 7.10 rating across the season, with an 86% pass success rate alongside his 2.4 interceptions, 2.7 tackles and 2.7 clearances (via Sofascore).
Whilst it may be tough to live up to these expectations, King has already proven the foundations are in place for him to potentially exceed Cooper’s contribution at Elland Road, should Orta push hard enough to secure this deal.