Leeds United are constantly being linked with Rangers winger Ryan Kent and the Daily Star have claimed on Tuesday that Marcelo Bielsa has made him a priority ahead of a potential £18million move this summer. But the report also states that Steven Gerrard is looking to thwart a move by handing Kent a new deal – hours after Rangers legend Mark Hateley talking up a potential move to Elland Road for the ex-Liverpool star.
Kent, 24, was excellent once again on Sunday afternoon as Rangers demolished Old Firm rivals Celtic with a 4-1 win at Ibrox – taking Gerrard’s men to within just two league games of an unbeaten Scottish Premiership campaign. Clocking up a huge 50 appearances in all competitions for Rangers this season, Kent has had a hand in 26 goals – scoring 12 and creating 14. Little surprise, then, that Leeds are still interested.
The report from the Star claims that Leeds are interested in Kent once again, a player that Bielsa has admired since moving to Yorkshire in 2018. It is claimed that a fee of £18million might be required, but that Gerrard wants to keep Kent ahead of a Champions League charge next season and will look to do so by offering the attacker a new and improved contract.
The report comes after Rangers legend Hateley told the Ten10 podcast: “Listen, Leeds have got him on their radar right, they have twice come in for him. They will be hoping it’s third time lucky. They need somebody that can open something up in the blink of an eye, Kent is the boy that can do that. You pay £20m to stick somebody on the bench in England.”
Can Leeds convince him to swap Scotland for England? What works in Rangers favour is that Kent has the chance to help Rangers reach the Champions League group stages next season, if they are successful in the qualifying rounds. Kent’s stock is rising and will continue to play under a Liverpool legend in Gerrard – although, a move to the Premier League is inevitable. Time will tell, ahead of the summer window.
