Leeds United transfer target Leon King is of a 'similar ilk' to Joe Gelhardt and could make the move to Elland Road, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.
The Lowdown: King linked with Leeds
The 18-year-old is making a big name for himself at Rangers currently, already featuring six times in the Scottish Premiership and four times in the Champions League this season.
King has been linked with a move to Leeds in recent days, with the young defender being scouted by the club, who view him as a potential long-term addition by Jesse Marsch and a young talent with a high ceiling.
He was recently praised by team-mate Borna Barisic for his performance away to Liverpool in the Champions League, where he impressed in his team's 2-0 defeat at Anfield.
The Latest: Journalist makes Gelhardt comparison
Speaking to GiveMeSport, O'Rourke claimed that King is exactly the type of player that Leeds are looking to sign, making a comparison with the 2020 signing of Gelhardt in terms of his profile.
The journalist stated:
"I think he would be of a similar ilk. Obviously, I think Leon King’s probably played more first-team football than Joe Gelhardt had when he arrived from Wigan.
"But Leeds are looking at younger players, not just for the first team, but also for the under 23 teams, which is very strong as well, so they are building for the future."
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The Verdict: One for the future
King may not arrive at Leeds as a guaranteed starter from the off but he is already showing that he can thrive at a high level, averaging 2.5 tackles per game in the Champions League this season.
He is extremely mature for an 18-year-old footballer and is someone who could grow into a formidable presence at Elland Road over time, spearheading the future along with someone like Gelhardt, who has become a first-team regular after breaking through from the underage ranks following his move to the Whites.
Planning for the future is vital for Leeds, rather than Marsch simply focusing on the here-and-now, so it is hugely encouraging to see players of King's talent possibly coming to Yorkshire.
For the player himself, he may well look at how Gelhardt has made the leap from academy to first team and believe that there is a clear pathway for talented youngsters at Leeds.