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According to reports coming out of Europe, Jamaican international defender Richard King is on the cusp of penning a deal with Scottish Premiership club St Mirren in a summer transfer move.

Several reports indicate King is expected to move to the Scottish club following his season with reigning Jamaica Premier League (JPL) champions Cavalier.

When STAR Sports contacted Rudolph Speid, Cavalier's sporting director, for confirmation of the reports, he said, "I have no comment at this point. This is not something I can really speak about."

"All I can say is that nothing is done until it's done."

King has had previous experience overseas as he briefly joined Icelandic club IBV Vestmannaeyjar on a season-long loan where he made 17 appearances and scored two goals.

King has not only gained attention for his accolades with his club, where he has won three JPL titles and the Concacaf Caribbean Cup, but he has also excelled with the Jamaican national team.

The 23-year-old defender has featured in eight of Jamaica's last 10 games, playing a starting role in seven.

He also bagged his first international goal, scoring the winning penalty in Jamaica's 3-2 win over Trinidad and Tobago in the recently concluded Unity Cup.

HIGH PRAISES

King's performances on the field have earned him several high praises, including the admiration of Reggae Boyz head coach Steve McClaren.

"I have been banging the drum so that he can step up to whatever level he is put in," McClaren said.

"At the moment, he needs to get off the island and play in a better competition. He has been excellent the last two games and when he came in against the USA."

McClaren also stated that he believes King would be a great asset for a UK-based club.

"I have told every scout in England that they should take Richard King. He might not be for now, but that boy will be because he plays to the level that he is at.

"So if he comes to the UK and plays in League One or the Championships, if given time, he would adapt to that," McClaren said.

Thought St Mirren are expected to land his signature, it is reported other clubs in Europe and the United States are also in the race for King.

The defender is expected to be in action today for Jamaica in their World Cup Qualifying fixture against Guatemala at the National Stadium. Then he will travel to the US for Jamaica's campaign in the Concacaf Gold Cup.

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com