Newcastle United & Leeds target from same agency as Kieran Trippier makes key decision

Teenage defender Leon King has signed a new contract at Rangers, despite reported interest from Newcastle United and other Premier League clubs.

The 18-year-old has broken into the first-team set up this season, regularly appearing in the Scottish Premiership, while playing all of six of the Gers’ Champions League group games.

King’s deal was due to expire at the end of the campaign, which had the likes of Newcastle, Leeds United and Manchester United tracking his progress.

However, the Scotland youth international has decided to commit his future to the Ibrox club by penning a new contract until 2026.

King said: “I am just extremely happy to sign a long-term extension to my contract, it is amazing for me and my family. I have always wanted to play for this club, and I am glad that it is continuing.

“I have been a fan of the club ever since I was born, my whole family are Rangers fans as well and I love this club, so it was a no-brainer.”

Manager Michael Beale, who recently left Queens Park Rangers to join Rangers, added: “I am really pleased for both Leon and his family to have agreed this new contract.

“He was someone we always had high hopes for when I was here previously, and it has been fantastic to see how he has developed both before I left, and in the year since. “

With both Connor Goldson and Ben Davies nearing returns to the team, that will provide Leon with an even greater opportunity to learn and develop, and push on for even more appearances in the first-team.”

The Magpies signed two young players from Scotland last summer. Charlie McArthur arrived from Kilmarnock and goalkeeper Jude Smith joined from East Fife.