‘I could be playing in that team’: Reported Portsmouth, West Brom and Millwall target makes strong Rangers admission after exit

Reported Pompey target Leon King has expressed his disappointment after being released by Rangers.

And the centre-back felt he still has the ability to play an integral part in Danny Rohl’s Scottish Premiership side.

The 22-year-old was released by the Gers at the end of the campaign, ending his 17-year affiliation with the Scottish giants.

After making his first-team debut in November 2020, King went on to amass 42 appearances in all competitions for the Gers - including six European outings.

The Scotland youth international has since spent time on loan with Queens Park and Ayr United, with his successful season-long stay with Ayr prompting reported interest from English football.

It is believed Pompey are one of a number of Championship clubs tracking the defender, including Millwall, Watford, Middlesbrough, Burnley, Wolves and West Brom.

Reported Pompey target makes strong Rangers admission after exit

King isn’t short of potential suitors south of the border following his Rangers release as begins his search for a new club.

The Ibrox academy graduate was one of numbers of players who were told they had no future by Rohl at the end of the campaign,

And with his stock firmly on the rise following an outstanding campaign with Ayr United, King felt he wasn’t given the chance to prove his worth under the German coach.

Speaking to the Daily Record, he said: ‘Does it feel like I’ve been written off at Rangers too soon or too easily? On the outside, people probably have done that.

‘But hopefully in the future, I’ll get back to Rangers because it’s the club I support. This is more of a see you later than a goodbye in my eyes.

‘I feel I could go into the Rangers squad just now and play. I fully back myself, 100 percent. I think I could be a starter most weeks. They’ve got some good players but I’d back myself now more than I ever have.

‘The club are going a different way and I can’t grumble. That’s their decision and I’ll go elsewhere to play.

‘But ultimately, I feel I could be playing in that team and bringing something to Rangers. I’m not arrogant as a player or as a person - I’m the least big-time guy you’ll meet.’

Pompey’s central defensive options

While it’s not a priority, Pompey could look to bolster their central defensive ranks in the transfer window.

Regan Poole remained a frontline option at the back for the Blues last term, while Conor Shaughnessy, Josh Knight and Hayden Matthews all battled injury issues.

Madiodio Dia and Ibane Bowat also played key roles during the run-in, which saw Mousinho’s side secure an 18th-placed finish.

The Blues have also been strongly linked with Dundee defender Luke Graham as his stock soars north of the border.

Clubs in England, Scotland and on the continent are tracking the highly-rated 22-year-old, who is expected to depart Dens Park.

Alongside King and Graham, Elfsborg’s Ibrahim Buhari is another central defender who is both reportedly on Pompey’s radar this summer.

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