Rangers star Ryan Kent would be taking a step down to join Burnley amid recent reports linking him to Turf Moor, according to Ibrox legend Barry Ferguson.
The Lowdown: Kent on the move?
Rangers fans are set to strap themselves in for a potential rollercoaster over the next few months regarding the future of Kent, who sees his contract in Glasgow expire at the end of the season.
The 26-year-old sealed a permanent switch in 2019 for £7.5m after lighting up the SPFL on loan the year before, winning the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year award in the process (via Sky Sports).
But he could be set to sign elsewhere as his contract ticks down, and with no extension in sight just yet, he can speak to clubs as a free agent for a move next season.
The Latest: Ferguson’s response
It was reported by Football Insider earlier this week that English Championship side Burnley are exploring the possibility of signing Kent on a pre-contract agreement.
But speaking on The Go Radio Football Show, former Gers man Ferguson gave a blunt response to the idea that the Rangers star man could be snapped up by the Clarets.
He said: “No, come on. You’re talking about Burnley, here. Listen, there’s no comparison.
“I’m just being honest. They’ve got a guy as a manager, who was a brilliant player. They’ve got a bit of history, Burnley, but if you’re putting Burnley and Rangers together.,. come on.”
The Verdict: Switch to Burnley?
The article from Football Insider claims that Kent’s wage demands of up to £60k per week could be too high and a stumbling block to keep him at Ibrox, which could open the door to a return to England.
Although Burnley are currently in the Championship, they are running away in the automatic promotion race, heading into the weekend 17 points clear of third place as they light it up under Vincent Kompany and look destined to return to the top flight.
A move down south to Lancashire would mean that Kent loses the opportunity to play Champions League football, with Rangers set to enter the qualifying rounds even if they don’t win the title.
But it would likely offer Premier League football, with the Englishman yet to appear in England’s top flight despite a previous spell at Liverpool, although an imminent conclusion on a deal is perhaps unlikely at this stage given so much of the season is still to play.
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