Aston Villa are looking to land Rangers defender Leon King in a cut-price deal, Ashley Preece reports.

The Lowdown: King profiled

King is 17 years of age and is primarily a centre-back who can also line out at left-back when required. He has made two senior appearances for Rangers and was promoted to first team training during Steven Gerrard’s time at Ibrox, with the current Villa boss labelling him ‘superb’.

The teenager’s contract in Glasgow expires at the end of the season, and although Rangers are in talks with King over a new deal, it seems as if Villa are looking to take full advantage.

The Latest: Preece’s update

Preece took to Twitter hours before Villa’s game with Manchester City on Wednesday, revealing that Gerrard is looking to take advantage of the defender’s contract situation, with a cut-price deal in the region of £200,000 thought to be on the cards.

The journalist tweeted: “Some transfer news into @birmingham_live prior to kick-off as Gerrard looks to take full advantage of Leon King's contract situation at Rangers. The 17-year-old was promoted to first-team sessions under SG. Cut-price deal for #avfc.”

The Verdict: Shrewd move

Gerrard is thought to be after a centre-back in the New Year, and although King may not be an immediate first team signing, you’d expect that he could break into his plans over the coming years.

The teenager is clearly a player who the 41-year-old rates after promoting him to first team training at Rangers, and the defender may prove to be a bargain for villa in a six-figure deal.

Manchester United are also thought to be keen on the youngster, which further shows how big a deal it could be in the long run if the Midlanders pull it off.

In other news: 'Gerrard out' - Many Villa fans erupt over club's plans for 'brilliant' beast