Leeds United can take advantage of a release clause in the contract of ‘long-term target’ Ryan Kent, Pete O’Rourke has told GiveMeSport.
The lowdown
The winger has made 38 appearances for Rangers in all competitions this season, scoring three goals and laying on a team-high 17 assists. The former Liverpool man has also notched four direct goal contributions (one goal, three assists) in the Gers’ five Europa League knockout fixtures to date.
Steven Gerrard, who managed Kent at Rangers before he left to take over at Aston Villa, has showered the 25-year-old with praise, dubbing him ‘top class’, ‘very dangerous’ and ‘sensational’.
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The latest
O’Rourke has said that Kent has been on Leeds’ radar since the summer of 2020, when they returned to the Premier League, and off the back of a ‘good season’ for the Englishman, the Whites may now make a move.
The journalist told GiveMeSport: “The Ryan Kent one’s interesting; he’s been a long-term target for Leeds. Ever since they won promotion back to the Premier League, there was links with Ryan Kent.
“He’s had another good season for Rangers, impressed especially in their European run as well. If Leeds did follow up their interest, there is a release clause in his contract.”
The verdict
What is the release clause in question?
The Athletic’s Rangers correspondent Jordan Campbell has claimed it stands at £20m, which would make Kent the fourth biggest signing in Leeds’ history behind Rodrigo, Dan James and Rio Ferdinand.
The 25-year-old occupies a left-wing berth at Rangers, and that’s where Jack Harrison typically slots in at Elland Road.
Harrison has scored 15 goals and provided nine assists in the Premier League since Leeds were promoted, so it’s hard to argue that he needs upgrading. However, he may need replacing.
The Telegraph reported at the start of April that the ex-Manchester City winger is the subject of interest from Champions League-chasing Tottenham ahead of the summer transfer window. That prospective move could be enough for Leeds to escalate their long-standing interest in Kent.
In other news, this Leeds star faces a further two weeks on the sidelines
