Newcastle United have reportedly scouted Glasgow Rangers central defender Leon King ahead of a potential move this summer.

The Lowdown: King profiled

King is a 19-year-old centre-back who has played 19 senior games for Rangers so far this season, including six appearances in the UEFA Champions League.

He is rated highly in and around the club, having been hailed as an ‘absolutely top class‘ talent by renowned Gers bloggers Four Lads Had a Dream.

The Latest: Newcastle watch King

According to Football Insider, Newcastle have sent scouts to watch King play at Ibrox over the last few months, along with fellow Premier League rivals Manchester United and Leeds United.

He signed a new long-term deal with Rangers back in December, but is yet to play under new Michael Beale, suggesting that he has fallen down the pecking order.

The Verdict: Get it done

By signing King, the Magpies would be following a similar profile to the likes of Garang Kuol and Harrison Ashby in terms of young talents with plenty of potential.

The Scotsman showed promise in the Champions League earlier this campaign despite the Light Blues being knocked out, having been lauded by journalist Jonny McFarlane for his ‘incredible’ ability to ping the ball across the pitch from centre-back.

Nonetheless, King shares the same agent as Toon right-back Kieran Trippier, and so this could help push a deal through ahead of their rivals this summer.