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Leeds Utd told to go all out to sign Marcelo Bielsa favourite as new claims emerge over bargain transfer

Lukas Klostermann, Ryan Kent, RB Leipzig v Rangers Europa League - Semi Final - First Leg - Red Bull Arena

Leeds United are being advised to push the boat out to sign Ryan Kent amid reports the winger will depart Rangers on a cut-price fee in 2023.

The Whites are long-term admirers of the former Liverpool man, having tried to sign him three times during Marcelo Bielsa’s reign. But he remains a player of interest to director of football Victor Orta, who has continued to keep tabs on his progress. And with his contract due to expire at Ibrox on July 1, talk is growing that Kent is plotting a move away from Glasgow.

Indeed, talks over an extension are yet to see an agreement reached. And with the player eligible to sign a pre-contract agreement with potential suitors from January 1, reports over a move to the Premier League are starting to gather pace.

And both Aston Villa and Leeds are both considering approaches to Rangers for Kent, per recent reports.

The 25-year-old, who has one goal and four assists so far this season from nine appearances, could even be lured away in January on a cut-price deal.

Jesse Marsch’s side are in the market for more attacking options in the new year. Links with Cody Gakpo continue to progress, and while perhaps ambitious, reports in the Dutch media continue to mention Leeds as leading suitors.

Furthermore, with PSV having to cash in on Gakpo next year, Leeds have seemingly seen their prospects increase.

However, Kent looks a more obtainable target.

And former Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson reckons he would be an excellent addition for Marsch’s side. However, he has urged them to hold back from paying big in January and make a big play to land him as a free agent next summer.

Ryan Kent Leeds transfer receives backing

Explaining why Kent would be a great addition for Leeds, Robinson made his views clear to MOT Leeds News.

“Leeds have looked at Kent for a long time. He was a player who was wanted by the previous regime under Bielsa and he’s obviously someone they’ve tracked closely in the last two seasons.

“It’s obvious he’s now going to leave Rangers coming into the last six to eight months of his contract but I wouldn’t be in favour of paying money for him now when his contract expires next year.

“He’ll be a very good addition to the Leeds squad if you look at it now but he’s not a player who needs to come in during January.

“The club don’t need to spend any type of money for him and they should compete for his signature at the end of the season.

“I’m sure there will be other clubs looking at him but any price-tag Rangers will put on him will people off because he’s going into the last six months of his contract.

“It’ll have to be a really good deal for a team to take him in January but it’s quite clear his time at Rangers is coming to an end and there’ll be no shortage of takers for him.

“He’s a top player.”

Do Leeds really need Rangers star?

As an inverted left-winger, Leeds are very well blessed for options on that side of the field. That is Jack Harrison’s prefered position, while summer signing Luis Sinisterra also likes to operate there.

Adding a third player to that mix to play in that position does not make a great deal of sense.

And making the jump from the Scottish Premiership to the Premier League is a significant step for any player. Indeed, Kent was given a chance to show what he is about when facing Liverpool in the Champions League on Tuesday.

But despite coming up against a defensively-shaky Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kent failed to impose himself on the game. And Kent’s display came in for criticism from a string of pundits, including Rio Ferdinand.

However, were he to sign, that would raise questions over the future of Harrison. The winger’s deal is due to expire at Elland Road in summer 2024 and he is yet to agree an extension.

The 25-year-old has admirers at Newcastle, with the Magpies failing in a summer approach for the Leeds star.

However, it would be no surprise to see them coming back in for Harrison in either the winter or summer windows. Were that to happen, a space in the Leeds squad could open for Kent.

READ MORELeeds in running to smash club record fee on talented Champions League star wanted by Arsenal, Liverpool