Former Rangers talent Leon King completes surprise transfer after summer Portsmouth and Middlesbrough links
Pompey were linked with former Rangers defender Leon King earlier this summer.
Leon King was a name touted with a move to Fratton Park in May as transfer speculation began to grow ahead of the summer window.
The centre-back reportedly had interest on the south coast following his departure from Rangers at the end of the campaign.
It was claimed Middlesbrough, Watford, West Brom, Burnley, Wolves, Millwall and Coventry City all had eyes on King as well as Scottish outfit Hearts.
Speculation of a move to PO4 was wide of the mark, however, at a time when Pompey were still chasing Dundee talent Luke Graham.
Ex-Rangers man makes surprise switch after summer Pompey links
But King has remained north of the border and has since completed a surprise return to Scottish Championship outfit Ayr United.
The defender enjoyed an outstanding loan stay at Somerset Park last term, collecting a clean sweep at the club’s end-of-season awards.
The Ibrox academy graduate registered 33 appearances for The Honest Men, who finished seventh in Scotland’s second division.
Following his release from Rangers, King has subsequently pencilled a two-year deal with Ayr despite receiving reported interest from the English Championship during the summer.
And despite exploring potential options during the window, the centre-back claimed it was a ‘no-brainer’ to make a return to Somerset Park.
He told the club website: ‘It’s been a long time coming. I spoke to the manager a lot over the summer and the ambitions he’s got for the club this season is something I really want to be a part of.
‘It was a no-brainer for me to come back here eventually.
‘The club let me know last year that they wanted to keep me on. I felt it was only right for myself to go and try and explore all other options to see what would become available.
‘But at the end of the day, I’m buzzing to be back here. It’s somewhere I can call home again.
‘It was amazing for me last year and the fans made it that way for me so when the opportunity came for me to come back - a few weeks later than I would’ve liked - I jumped at it and I can’t wait to get going.’
Pompey’s central defensive options
Pompey currently have six options at the heart of defence heading into the new campaign - although the figure is expected to change.
The 2024 arrival has been told he is free to depart PO4 during the window as he heads into the final 12 months of his three-year deal.
Regan Poole, Conor Shaughnessy, Hayden Matthews, Madiodio Dia and Hayden Matthews are all vying for a starting spot next season.
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