Leeds United to sign Rangers forward Ryan Kent on free transfer next year – Sky Sports pundit
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United…
Paul Robinson would rather Leeds United fight to sign Ryan Kent on a free transfer next summer than pay to land the Rangers winger in the January transfer window.
Kent, 25, has been long linked with a move to Leeds and speculation has resurfaced again in the last week with the attacker’s contract at Ibrox set to expire next year.
On 2 October, The Sunday Mirror reported via their print edition (page 71) that Kent had refused to sign a new deal with Rangers and that Leeds and Aston Villa are interested in signing him.
Leeds are said to have registered an interest in the former Liverpool player despite previously unsuccessful moves to reach a deal.
While he could be available on a cut-price deal in January, Robinson doesn’t believe paying up for Kent would be worthwhile and he’d rather see the English winger move to Elland Road on a free transfer in the summer.
Speaking to MOT Leeds News, Robinson said: “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.”
Kent has made 12 appearances in all competitions for Rangers this season, scoring one goal and supplying four assists.
As quoted by The Sunday Mirror on 2 October, Kenny Miller said that Kent “has the ability to be a fantastic player” and that “he’s electrifying when he’s in full flow.”
In other Leeds United news, Adam Forshaw has shared how Marsch tore into one player in front of everyone at traning.