By Kevin Campbell

2nd Dec, 2021 | 12:00pm

Campbell fears Gilmour-like exit at Rangers after source's reveal

Kevin Campbell fears Rangers will struggle to keep hold of Leon King amid interest from the Premier League’s “big boys”.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Arsenal and Everton striker suggested the 17-year-old could follow a similar path to that of Billy Gilmour.

King‘s contract with Rangers expires at the end of May 2022.

An Ibrox source told Football Insider (30 November) that the club are opening talks over a new deal with the defender.

It comes after this site revealed (26 November) that Manchester United and Newcastle are keeping close tabs on King.

Man City, Arsenal and Spurs have also been linked with the Scotland Under-17 international.

When asked by Football Insider for his assessment of King’s situation, Campbell said: “It is a minefield sometimes.

“These Premier League clubs have scouts everywhere. They recognised talent very quickly.

“If they are going to pull the trigger, unfortunately, Rangers cannot compete with them. They just cannot compete with the big boys in the Premier League.

“Rangers are a massive club globally but financially they do not have the muscle to compete with the Premier League teams.

“That is what happened with Gilmour. The club have to try and tie these youngsters down.

“But, if the big boys are in the players ear it is really difficult to keep them.”

Gilmour left Rangers to join Chelsea in May 2017 at the age of 15.

The centre-midfielder has developed into one of the Premier League’s top talents.

In other news, Rangers told to agree new midfielder deal after ‘exceptional’ dressing room insight from pundit who ‘knows him well’.