Former Scottish Premiership striker Noel Whelan has claimed that Leon King being linked with big clubs is 'exciting' for Glasgow Rangers.
The Lowdown: Champions League interest
It was reported earlier this week that two clubs in the Champions League have joined the race to sign the 18-year-old in the January transfer window.
Bundesliga duo Bayer Leverkusen and Eintracht Frankfurt have joined Leeds United, Newcastle United and Manchester United from the Premier League in the hunt for his signature.
The Latest: 'Exciting'
Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan has claimed that it is 'exciting' for Rangers to see King being linked with such high-profile clubs so early on in his career.
The former Aberdeen marksman said of the teenager: “I think he’s got to make the most of the time he’s got.
“What he’s doing is right. He’s getting that experience and really enjoying playing in the first team – because it’s a different challenge every week.
“He’s got to keep a level head, keep being a standout performer. Whatever happens in the future will then come because you deserve it.
“It’s exciting for Rangers, and it’ll be exciting for this young man. He’s being spotted and talked about by bigger clubs.
“A lot of players want to be in bigger leagues and be successful in the Champions League. It’s a different kettle of fish in the Premier League – it’s the holy grail for many players.”
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The Verdict: Need to keep him...
While it is exciting to see a Rangers player being linked with big-name clubs, Giovanni van Bronckhorst's team will want to keep hold of King above anything else.
Lauded as an ‘absolutely top class‘ talent by renowned Gers bloggers Four Lads Had a Dream, King has made more than 10 senior appearances already this season, despite being just 18 years of age.
His current contract is due to expire in 2024, so the transfer speculation will not help in terms of the club wanting King to sign a new deal.
Nonetheless, as much as Rangers fans can appreciate the attention that the teenager is getting for his performances, they may be reminded by the way that they lost Joe Aribo and Leon Balogun in the summer, so they will surely want King to commit his long-term future to the Ibrox club.