Journalist Gary Keown has given his thoughts on Leeds United target Ryan Kent and his contract situation at Rangers.

The Lowdown: Kent's contract situation

The winger has been linked with a move to Elland Road for a number of years now, with speculation continuing heading into 2023.

Reports last month suggested that the Whites remain in the hunt for Kent and were set to watch him in action in the Champions League.

The 25-year-old, who has been labelled ‘sensational’ by his former manager Steven Gerrard, is set to enter the final six months of his Ibrox contract in January, and Keown has been reacting to the situation.

The Latest: Journalist reacts

Writing for The Scottish Mail on Sunday, as relayed by MOT Leeds News, Keown described Kent’s contract situation as a ‘monumental failure’ by the Rangers board.

He added that ‘the thought of watching him walk out the door for zilch when Leeds were understood to be ready to pay £15m last year must be too much to bear for Rangers punters’.

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The Verdict: Time for Leeds to act?

The Whites are clearly long-term admirers of Kent, so they may see the New Year as the ideal opportunity to finalise a deal for the forward, potentially in a pre-contract agreement.

Capable of playing anywhere across the front three, the 25-year-old has been in fine form over the last 18 months, registering 23 assists since the start of last season.

That creativity could see him rival the likes of Jack Harrison, Luis Sinisterra and Crysencio Summerville at Elland Road, adding strength in depth in the final third.