Rangers reach agreement in principle on new deal after talks breakthrough - Ibrox Sources
Rangers have agreed in principle a new deal with starlet Leon King after a breakthrough in talks, Football Insider can reveal.
Ibrox sources have told Football Insider that King is now set to put pen to paper on his first professional contract in the coming days after indicating he will accept the improved terms offered.
It is a huge boost for the club, who have been desperate to avoid a repeat of the situation in which Billy Gilmour quit to join Chelsea two years ago.
King, who turned 16 last month, is rated just as highly as his fellow young Scot at the same age after displaying immense promises during his progress through the ranks.
The teenager and his family knocked back Rangers' first offer of a professional deal amid a stampede for his services from down south.
Football Insider revealed in December that Tottenham and Wolves joined Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal, as well as Bundesliga big guns RB Leipzig, in the race to sign King.
In Scotland, professional terms can be signed at the age of 16, one year earlier than in England.
But manager Steven Gerrard personally intervened to persuade the teenager, who is regarded as the cream of an exciting crop of youngsters emerging from their youth ranks, his future is best served by staying at the club.
King has yet to make his senior Rangers bow but has been playing above his own age group for many years.
Significantly, he was made part of the matchday squad for the 2-0 Scottish Cup win against Stranraer in January and captained Scotland Under-17s last month.