Exclusive: Salford make move to sign Rangers star Leon King

Salford City have made an enquiry about signing Rangers defender Leon King on loan, sources have told Football Insider.

Highly-rated centre-back King has tumbled down the pecking order at Rangers, and the League Two club are keen on taking him on loan.

The 20-year-old made just six appearances in all competitions last time out and does not feature in Philippe Clement’s plans for the coming season.

The arrival of Robin Propper earlier this summer has pushed him further down the pecking order and Rangers are now open to his departure.

Salford City is majority-owned by former Man United star Gary Neville, while his former teammates Nicky Butt, Ryann Giggs, Paul Scholes, Phil Neville and David Beckham also hold shares.

The club have recently clarified their investment, insisting they have “ambitious plans for the future” – in which King could play a part.

Rangers star Leon King subject to enquiry from Salford City

King remains highly thought of at Ibrox despite a lack of match action in recent years, and a step into the English Football League is viewed as a positive step for his development.

Still just 20 years old, he has 37 senior appearances to his name and has featured for the club in the Champions League on six occasions.

Having come through the academy, the centre-back made his senior debut in 2020 and has represented Scotland from Under-16s to Under-21s level.

His current Rangers deal is set to run until 2026, and an impressive loan spell could land him a new deal rather than risking his contract ticking down.

Salford are looking to strengthen at centre-back before the window closes on 30 August after losing Adrian Mariappa and Theo Vassell, and have already landed a loan deal for Oxford defender Stephan Negru.

The club finished last season in 20th place, nine points clear of relegation, and have targeted King to help them survive another battle at the bottom.

The defender is said to be keen on a loan move for the coming season given his lack of involvement at Ibrox, as he looks to continue his rapid development.