Ryan Kent would likely be open to joining Leeds United if they triggered the release clause in his Rangers contract. 

That's according to sports journalist Pete O'Rourke, who was speaking to GiveMeSport.

The lowdown

Kent's £18,000-per-week deal only has 14 months left to run, which means this summer could be Rangers' last chance to cash in if he is not going to extend his stay.

It's believed to contain a release clause of £20million, potentially setting up the most lucrative sale in Rangers' history. Nathan Patterson, who joined Everton for an initial £12.6million in January, currently holds that record.

Leeds have been long-term admirers of Kent, though the now-sacked Marcelo Bielsa may have been one of the driving forces behind their interest.

The latest

O'Rourke reckons that former Liverpool man Kent may fancy another crack at the Premier League.

If Leeds trigger the clause, then, Rangers may be able to do little to prevent his departure.

"If Leeds were to meet [his release clause], I'm sure it's something that Ryan Kent would seriously consider, moving back down to England and to the Premier League at this stage of his career," he said.

The verdict

Rangers may already be resigned to losing the winger and his suitors may see an opportunity that's too good to turn down this summer.

Indeed, this is a player who's scored 30 goals and provided 44 assists in 164 appearances for the Gers since he joined, setting up a squad-high 16 this season.

Kent, who featured in the Scottish Premiership's official 2020/21 Team of the Year, was called a 'sensational' talent by former manager Steven Gerrard.

He did come in for some criticism following Sunday's Old Firm derby defeat, with Ally McCoist calling one mistimed run 'inexcusable', but you'd expect his time at Ibrox to be remembered fondly overall.

In other news, Rangers are eyeing this Championship star