The 22-year-old defender has impressed while on loan at Somerset Park this term

(Image: SNS Group)

Former Celtic player Si Ferry has claimed Hearts are “looking at” Leon King with his Rangers contract nearing an end.

The Ibrox academy graduate burst onto the scene with the Light Blues in 2021 as he became a part of the first-team plans in Glasgow. At the time, Newcastle, Leeds and Manchester United were reportedly showing interest in the Scotland youth international.

However, he has struggled to make a claim for a regular Rangers‘ first-team spot in the following years. After a loan spell at Queen’s Park last term, the 22-year-old was sent to Ayr United in the summer as he entered the final year of his contract.

King has impressed in the Scottish Championship promotion fight under Scott Brown, and teammate Jamie Murphy talked up the impact the player has had at Somerset Park. He told Open Goal: “He’s doing really well, Leon has been a standout.

“He is doing really well playing right of a back three. I’d say that is probably his best position, [like] when he came in at Rangers as a young boy when we were there.

“He played a bit of centre midfielder, and centre-half, right-back and that. I think that really suits him the right of a three because he is good on the ball and calm, and good in the air. He is doing really well.”

Ferry floated: “I heard the other day that Hearts are looking at Leon King.”

Murphy added: “It wouldn’t surprise me. I know he is out of contract and there are teams looking at him.

“I feel like I am selling him when we want to keep him at Ayr, but he has done really well this year.”

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