Leeds changed mind over Liverpool man after transfer agreement

Leeds did reach an agreement to sign Ryan Kent from Liverpool this summer, but pulled the plug on the deal after a late change of heart, claims a report.

The talented winger rejoined Rangers on a permanent £6.5m deal this week, having previously quoted the Bible in a bid to force a move from Anfield.

United boss Marcelo Bielsa, however, had made the capture of Kent one of his prime objectives this summer, after the winger enjoyed a starring role while on loan at Ibrox last season.

Rangers too were also in the running to sign the winger, but Liverpool’s insistence on a sale only appeared to put Leeds in the driving seat.

However, despite reports Liverpool moved the goalposts over the terms of the sale, the Yorkshire Evening Post claims Leeds did strike a deal to sign Kent with Liverpool, with the Whites agreeing to pay Liverpool an initial £4m, with a further £3m this time next year.

But with the transfer a matter of days from completion, the YEP reports Bielsa had a late change of heart and decided instead Leeds would benefit from signing a central striker – and cover and competition for Patrick Bamford – more.

While it’s believed Bielsa could have converted Kent into a central striker, Leeds instead opted to move for Eddie Nketiah, who showed great pre-season promise at parent club Arsenal and found himself very much a man in demand once it became apparent the Gunners were prepared to loan him out for the season.

Furthermore, the YEP claims the early season form of another loanee Jack Harrison – who arrived for a second term from Manchester City – also persuaded Bielsa to pursue a deal for Nketiah instead.

With Harrison making a goalscoring start to the season at Bristol City and Nketiah already chipping in with three goals, it seems like Leeds may have made the right decision.

Get the latest personalised Whites products on our new TEAMtalk Leeds United shop!