STEVEN GERRARD has confirmed Rangers have turned down a £10million bid from newly-promoted Leeds for Ryan Kent.
Marcelo Bielsa is a keen admirer of the 23-year-old winger having attempted to sign him a year ago.
Leeds have seen a bid rejected for Ryan KentCredit: Willie Vass – The Sun
The Leeds boss is plotting to strengthen his squad this summer following their return to the big time.
Kent was voted the best young player in Scotland in his first season in Glasgow and stayed on despite interest abroad.
And Gerrard has issued a “hands-off warning” to Bielsa although admitted that Premier League clubs hold the power.
He said: “The message for sure is ‘hands off’.
“Ryan is a player we admire very much here. He’s a player we’ve seen develop at Liverpool for a long time then brought him here and he did ever so well on loan.
“We went and bought Ryan and showed a lot of faith in him and he’s progressing very, very quickly here.
“He’s in a good place and a player we want to keep hold of.
“But yes we have had contact from Leeds and an opening bid has been really strongly rejected.
“They are way, way off with that opening bid. That’s the truth and the reality. He’s a player who is not for sale.
“But you know that Premier League teams hold a lot of power and that’s the reality. We have to accept that.”
Kent moved to Rangers from Liverpool for £7.5m last year following a successful loan stint.
He made 33 appearances in the league last season scoring eight goals.
Steven Gerrard has issued a ‘hands-off warning’ to LeedsCredit: PA:Press Association
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Leeds are also hopeful of landing Brighton’s Ben White and have made a third bid of £25m.
The 22-year-old enjoyed a stunning loan spell at Elland Road last season, playing a key part in their promotion.
White is Leeds’ No1 target this summer, with Leeds having already lodged bids of around £18.5m and £22m for his services.
Leeds making shock £10m move for Rangers star Ryan Kent with Marcelo Bielsa huge fan of ex-Liverpool winger
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
