Fabrizio Romano: Newcastle, Man Utd and Leeds spotted tracking Champions League defender

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle have joined Manchester United and Leeds in monitoring Rangers star Leon King ahead of tonight's Champions League clash with Liverpool.

Romano has reported that all three teams have already sent scouts to watch the Rangers academy product, whose contract is set to expire in just over 18 months time.

At the age of just 18, the defender already boasts a fairly impressive resume - three appearances in this season's Champions League as well as five appearances in the Scottish Premiership so far.

The young centre-back has also earned a call-up to the Scottish Under-21 team - having already played for the U-17s and U-16s - and could team up with Newcastle youngster Elliott Anderson.

With less than two years on his current deal, Rangers could decide to cash in on their top prospect in the next couple of windows.

Under our new ownership, Newcastle are quite clearly trying to invest in the future with the likes of Garang Kuol having already secured a move to Tyneside, and a deal for King would certainly be an impressive purchase for the long-term project.