PRESTONPANS footballer Matthew Knox, linked with Manchester United, Rangers and other top clubs in the past - has left Livingston. . . to join East Fife on loan.  

The 18-year-old has had three trials with the Old Trafford club, while Rangers have previously also expressed an interest. 

Last week was linked with a move to Sunderland after impressing on trial at the Stadium of Light. 

But his immediate future lies at Bayview with the SPFL League One side, a move which Livi boss David Hopkin feels will benefit Knox, a former Preston Lodge High School pupil.

Hopkin said: "I’m delighted that Matthew has agreed to go on loan to East Fife as it will help his development no end playing regular first team football.

“Matthew has been linked with nearly every top club in Britain, and could easily have taken the route of under-23 football down south but he has chosen to go on loan and fight for a jersey with East Fife in a very competitive league."

Knox, meanwhile, tweeted the below message. . . 

Hopkin added: "Playing first team football at this level will 100 per cent improve him as a player. 

“I am really looking forward to watching his development and benefiting in the summer from the experience he will gain over the next three months.   

“I am sure he will play a important role for East Fife in the coming months and under Darren Young’s guidance I’m sure he will flourish.”