RANGERS boss Michael Beale has already stressed that he wants to tie Ryan Kent down to a new deal at Ibrox – but he now faces a battle to keep him.
Even with Kent being out of sorts this season, his performances in Europe over the last three years have attracted suitors from south of the border as they look to lure the wing ace to the Premier League.
There has been long-term interest from Leeds United who’ve been credited with tracking the 26-year-old for the last two seasons, among others.
And with six months left on his current Ibrox deal, Beale could well be up against it if he is to convince Kent to put pen to paper when he could walk away from Ibrox for nothing in the summer.
The Gers boss previously spoke of his desire to work with the winger and hopefully convince him to commit his future to Rangers.
Speaking about Kent and Alfredo Morelos, he said: “With every player, he’s got to be value for money, hasn’t he?
“I think the most important thing at the minute is the two boys get on doing what they do best — and that’s playing football.
“I believe I’m the ideal person to manage both players (Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos) because of the previous relationship and having seen them at their best for Rangers.
“They can get that back very quickly, so let’s take another review in the coming days.
“But I’m really optimistic they can go and prove they should be here.
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“In terms of finances, they have obviously got very good agents. We’re very strong on our side and we’ll probably meet somewhere in the middle.”
But Beale’s hopes of retaining Kent could have taken a further blow today after another Premier League side, Southampton, emerged as the latest side to enter the race for his prized asset.
Saints boss Nathan Jones is said to be ‘targeting’ a move worth £5million for the Rangers winger, according to the Daily Mirror
The St Mary’s side currently sit second bottom and are eyeing some more experienced players to help their young squad survive the battle for the drop and it has been suggested that Kent could help give them that balance.
Southampton were also last night credited with an interest in Celtic whizz kid Liel Abada after his stunning start to life at Celtic following his arrival last summer.
But Hoops chiefs are prepared to rebuff any interest from the South Coast side and any other Premier League clubs by opening talks over fresh terms with the Israeli winger next month.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
