Newcastle United have reportedly scouted Scotland U21 international Leon King ahead of a potential move in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Upcoming prospect

At just 18 years of age, King is certainly an upcoming prospect, having already played 11 times for Scotland at youth level, and making 17 senior appearances for Glasgow Rangers (Transfermarkt).

Hailed as an 'absolutely top class' talent by renowned Gers bloggers Four Lads Had a Dream, the central defender is thought of very highly at the club, and so it is not a surprise to see other teams sniffing around for his signature.

The Latest: Newcastle scouts sent

Taking to Twitter, Italian football journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the St. James' Park outfit, as well as fellow Premier League rivals Leeds United and Manchester United, have 'already sent their scouts' to watch King in action, notably away at Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League last week.

They are currently 'monitoring' his situation at Ibrox, with his contract set to expire in 2024:

"Many clubs are monitoring Rangers centre back Leon King (2004) who started against Liverpool at Anfield, last week — he’s out of contract in June 2024.  #transfers Manchester United, Newcastle and Leeds have already sent their scouts to follow King."

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The Verdict: Another exciting talent

Having already secured the signings of highly rated youngsters Garang Kuol and Alex Murphy, adding another exciting talent in King to their armoury would really strengthen the Magpies in terms of their future prospects and overall long-term project.

While he may find himself behind the likes of Fabian Schar, Dan Burn and Sven Botman in the pecking order, King could still get minutes in cup competitions, and the fact that he has already gained first-team experience with Rangers bodes well for his chances of eventually playing regularly under Eddie Howe.

King also happens to share the same agent as both Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood, two players who were signed by the North East club in last January's window, which could increase their chances of fending off the competition for his signature come this winter.