Soccer Football - Pre Season Friendly - Rangers v West Ham United - Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain - July 19, 2022 Rangers' Ryan Kent in action REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
Journalist Pete O’Rourke believes that Aston Villa could potentially look to sign Rangers forward Ryan Kent this summer.
The Lowdown: Villa’s business
Steven Gerrard has made five first-team signings ahead of his first full season in charge at Villa Park. NSWE, who have been open to splashing the cash this summer, have spent just under £50m on those additions, and more could be on their way.
A new forward and midfielder were thought to be on the club’s radar last month, and it looks as if long-term target Kent could still be on the wishlist.
The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments
When asked if he can see a move to Villa Park materialising this summer for Kent, O’Rourke, taking to The Transfer Tavern, said:
“Potentially. Obviously, Steven Gerrard is a big fan of Ryan Kent. They both had a lot of success together at Rangers. Obviously, Rangers are trying to time tie him to a new contract right now. So that’s their focus right now, to try and sort his future out.”
Kent at Villa Park?
Yes, get him in!
No, not now!
The Verdict: Time to act?
As O’Rourke mentions, Rangers are looking to hand Kent a new contract at Ibrox, with his current deal set to expire next summer. Therefore, the last few weeks of the current window could be the best chance Villa have to bring the forward to the Midlands.
Kent, in the words of journalist Josh Bunting, ‘destroyed’ Borussia Dortmund in the Europa League last season, can play anywhere across the front three and appears to be at the peak of his powers with a career-high £15.75m Transfermarkt valuation.
The 25-year-old starred under Gerrard in the past, contributing to 61 goals in 138 games, so could be the perfect versatile attacking addition at Villa Park, especially as Bertrand Traore has been ousted from the first team squad.
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