Rangers ready new deal for fans’ favourite, as Leeds target summer raid
Rangers are prepared to offer Ryan Kent a bumper new contract to keep Leeds at bay for another season, according to reports.
Kent, 24, has proved to be a superb signing for Steven Gerrard after arriving in a permanent £7m del from Liverpool in 2019. The winger had impressed in a loan spell and Gerrard was desperate to get the Oldham-born player on board at Ibrox. Kent has grabbed 12 goals and 14 assists in all competitions this season and he helped Gers hammer Celtic 4-1 0ver the weekend.
His form has had scouts flocking to see him and Leeds, according to the Scottish Sun last month, are back on the trail of Kent. Marcelo Bielsa failed with a couple of bids to get Kent on board last summer and the West Yorkshire are looking at Kent once again.
That has led to Gerrard asking for Rangers to offer Kent a new contract. The Daily Record report that the fans’ favourite is in line for a “bumper new deal” to keep Premier League side at bay.
Kent is under contract until 2023 and the report claims the Gers “plan to cash in at some point”. However, Gerrard wants Kent for a crack at the Champions League and the former Liverpool man seems excited at the prospect.
Ibrox chiefs also want to maximise their profit on Kent and a starring role in Europe’s premier competition could see his value surge.
Speaking ahead of the weekend, Kent said: “It’s just playing in the now. It’s nice to be linked with other big clubs.
“But, you’ve got to understand your duty to where you’re at.
“And as long as I’m at Rangers I’ll always give them 100 per cent.
“I love this place and the club’s done so much for me As long as I’m here I’ll be totally focused on Rangers.
“The Champions League will be massive, it’s the biggest stage in club football, being able to test yourself against the best players in the world and best teams in the world.”
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Laudrup: No Champions League football at Leeds
Meanwhile, former Gers striker Brian Laudrup wrote in the Daily Mail: “Everyone knows the financial side of football influences decisions.
“A really huge offer might come in this summer that Rangers and the player both decide they can’t turn down. That’s life. But I hope Kent stays at Ibrox. Because I can see real benefits from it.
“The lure of the Champions League is there next season. It could be a chance to test himself against the very best players in the biggest competition of all. You can’t get that at Leeds right now.”
And Rangers legend Barry Ferguson is desperate for Kent to remain in Glasgow.
He said: “I just hope he is one player that the manager is allowed to keep. I’m sure if clubs down south like Leeds and other clubs were watching the game, he was the stand out performer.
“I know Roofe came in and scored a double but for me Ryan Kent was the outstanding player on the park by a country mile.”
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