Reported Portsmouth and Middlesbrough target lifts lid on Rangers future as Championship clubs circle
Pompey are one of a host of Championship clubs who have recently been linked with Rangers defender Leon King.
Leon King has admitted he’s in the dark over his future, with his current Rangers deal set to come to a close this summer.
And the reported Pompey target is not shutting the door on a potential return to loan-club Ayr United, where his stock has risen sharply this term.
Sides across the Championship are believed to have King firmly on their radar, with Middlesbrough, West Brom, Burnley, Wolves and recently-crowned champions Coventry City said to be on the hunt.
Indeed, the centre-back is out of contract with Scottish giants Rangers at the end of a campaign, with a new deal unlikely at this stage.
The Ibrox youth product has risen through the ranks with the Glasgow outfit and has registered 52 first-team outings during his 17-year affiliation.
Despite impressing during his time with the Gers, King was sent out on loan in January 2025 to Queens Park before completing a season-long switch to Ayr United last summer.
The highly-regarded defender went on to shine at Somerset Park, completing a clean sweep at the club’s end-of-season awards after tallying up 32 appearances in all competitions for the Scottish Championship side.
Reports in Scotland have claimed the Honest Men are looking to land the 22-year-old on a permanent basis during the upcoming transfer window, while clubs south of the border - including Pompey - are reportedly looking the the defender.
Reported Pompey target discusses Rangers future as Championship clubs circle
And with interest in his signature growing, King remains in the dark over his future with his Ibrox stay set to come to a close.
Speaking to the Scottish Daily Record, he said: ‘This is what I needed – to go out and play consistently this season. The constant challenge of having to earn a spot in the team each week has been massive for me.
‘I’m without a contract now so we’ll see what my future holds. But I’m definitely not shutting the door on staying here.
‘I’ve loved it. The club has given me an opportunity to go and showcase what I’ve got and I’ll be forever grateful for that.
‘So if something is on the table that is good for my future then I’ll look at it seriously.’
Pompey’s central defensive options
Mousinho currently has six options at the heart of defence heading into the upcoming transfer window.
Regan Poole remained an ever-present throughout the Blues’ survival bid and impressed, amassing 43 appearances in all competitions.
Madiodio Dia was recruited in the winter transfer window from Norwegian outfit Haugesund, with the 22-year-old required in Conor Shaughnessy’s absence during the second half of the season.
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