Much of the transfer speculation this summer regarding potential departures has been around the futures of Glen Kamara and Alfredo Morelos, both linked with megabucks moves away from Ibrox.
One player who has been the subject of heavy interest even before he moved permanently to the club is Ryan Kent, with Leeds United manager, Marcelo Bielsa, said to be a long term admirer, the Yorkshire club having offers rejected last summer after they got promoted to the Premier League.
Speaking to Football Insider, former Leeds striker Noel Whelan who has returned to work at the club, feels that Bielsa won’t have given up hope of landing the Gers forward and doesn’t blame him given that the 24-year old is only getting better each season:
“This has been rumbling on now for what, three years?”
“Bielsa, Leeds, they’re not going anywhere. They still want this man to be playing for Leeds United. He’s had three more years of experience under his belt at Rangers.
“He’s been under a good manager and in a successful team, which will only bring a bit more confidence to the player. He’ll have that experience you need in big games and playing in front of fans.
“He is a special player, there’s no doubt about that. That’s the reason why Steven Gerrard went out there to bring him in. He wasn’t just picking Ryan Kent because he was available.
“He picked him because he was going to improve the team that he was managing. No different to Marcelo Bielsa. We’ve got great wingers there.
“I do believe there’s a place up (for grabs) because I don’t think Helder Costa has been doing it for me.
“I do believe we need another winger there to just test the waters of the other players. See how they react by putting that competition directly in their faces.
“He could be one that can play a number 10, out on the wings, in the central midfield area. A player that’s versatile.
“That versatility that he brings to the team could put him in a number of positions in that forward line.”
There is a reason Kent would be a good fit for Leeds; the way he presses, his pace on the counter attack, his ability to make something out of nothing and his effort levels that never drop regardless of personal form are all hugely attractive characteristics.
After playing a key role in leading Rangers to the Premiership title, his value will will only have gone in one direction, if Bielsa wants him, he’d better have deep pockets.