Richard King on Rangers transfer radar as move for giant Jamaican pondered amid central defensive crisis

The Light Blues are in the market for a central defender but for both the short and long term, with the Reggae Boyz star under consideration

Rangers are weighing up a move for Jamaican international Richard King as they continue their hunt for a central defender.

The 23-year-old is on the Ibrox transfer radar as technical director Nils Koppen casts his net wide in his bid to unearth talent to bolster Philippe Clement’s squad.

As well as looking for experience, Rangers have made no secret of their desire to bring in young players who can provide success and be sold on for a future profit – with Hamza Igamane a prime example after he was recruited from Morocco in the summer and is now flourishing.

And King is being considered by the Light Blues with the player fitting that profile. The 6ft 2in stopper currently plays for Jamaica Premier League champions Cavalier, although does have experience of Europe after a season-long loan spell for IBV Vestmannaeyjar in Iceland in 2023.

He was reportedly monitored by a quarter of English Premier League clubs - West Ham United, Brighton, Newcastle and Aston Villa – who viewed him as one for the future.

King has been capped 19 times for the Reggae Boyz, including under former England manager Steve McClaren who is now in charge of the Caribbean nation, and was part of the Copa America squad last year.

Central defence is an area Clement is in desperate need of reinforcements with John Souttar and Leon Balogun both out injured and the latter turning 37 this summer after signing a one-year extension at the start of the season.

Ben Davies was sent out on loan to Birmingham City and Connor Goldson sold to Aris Limassol in Cyprus and it’s an area they are looking to strengthen with King now under serious consideration.