Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa have been tipped to sign Rangers’ teenage prodigy Leon King ahead of other suitors, including Manchester United.
Since being appointed as Aston Villa’s new manager, Steven Gerrard has made a serious point. The former Liverpool midfielder has instantly changed the mood at Villa Park, securing three wins in his four games in charge so far. The only defeat came to Manchester City, but they refused to cede pressure against the Citizens.
The former Rangers boss is expected to make some moves in the January transfer window, trying to bring in players of his preference. The idea is to build the current team, which is still relatively young and fluid. However, Gerrard will also think about prospects who could excel in the coming years for the club.
One of the players mentioned is Leon King, who continues to attract the interest of Premier League sides, including Manchester United. The Rangers prodigy is considered a special talent and was handed his senior debut by Gerrard at the Glasgow club.
As King runs down his current deal, there is a possibility the club might cash in on the midfielder in January. Offers could be forthcoming for the teenager, although the lure of playing again for Gerrard might be tempting King to snub other clubs in favour of Aston Villa.
Noel Whelan certainly believes that could be the case, as he argues about the lure of playing for the manager who handed the player his debut. He told Football Insider how the next move for King could be an opportunity to play in the Premier League and possibly for a manager the player knows very well.
Whelan said, “I think if you’ve worked with Steven Gerrard and Steven Gerrard has given him his debut, they’ll have a good relationship. Most players want to play in the English Premier League. We do know when you look at Aston Villa; there’s a fantastic pathway there for their young players.”
“I think if you’re having a choice of Man United or Aston Villa, right now on paper, and in your heart as a player, you’re going to go to somewhere where you know the manager. You know there’s a pathway there for younger players. Probably a more realistic chance of breaking into that first team.”
Where King heads to next remains a mystery. However, one can be sure that Manchester United will fight tooth and nail to secure the services of the Rangers starlet, aiming to beat Aston Villa to his signature in the process.
