Former Premier League goalkeeper Paul Robinson has claimed that it is 'obvious' that Ryan Kent will leave Glasgow Rangers within the next year.
The Lowdown: Premier League interest
It was reported by The Sunday Mirror (via MOT Leeds News) that both Leeds United and Aston Villa are still keen on signing Kent and watched him play for Giovanni van Bronckhorst's team in the 2-0 loss away at Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night.
The winger has refused to sign a new deal at Ibrox, and his current one expires next summer.
Former Gers striker Kenny Miller does not believe that Kent has shown his 'best form' so far this season, while former Light Blues defender Alan Hutton believes that he is 'trying too hard'.
The Latest: Robinson reacts
Speaking to MOT Leeds News, Robinson, who now contributes for Sky Sports, has claimed that it is 'obvious' that Kent is going to leave with just a few months left remaining on his contract, adding that he is a 'top player':
“Leeds have looked at Kent for a long time.
“He was a player who was wanted by the previous regime under Bielsa and he’s obviously someone they’ve tracked closely in the last two seasons.
“It’s obvious he’s now going to leave Rangers coming into the last six to eight months of his contract, but I wouldn’t be in favour of paying money for him now when his contract expires next year.
“He’ll be a very good addition to the Leeds squad if you look at it now but he’s not a player who needs to come in during January.
“The club don’t need to spend any type of money for him, and they should compete for his signature at the end of the season."
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The Verdict: Worrying
It is certainly worrying for the Teddy Bears supporters that Kent is seemingly running down his contract, meaning that he could leave for nothing in the summer.
The 25-year-old boasts the second-highest WhoScored performance rating of any of his teammates so far this season, and is the squad’s joint-leader for both assists and dribbles per game in the Scottish Premiership.
Nonetheless, Kent also holds the highest market value in the squad, and so losing him for free would be a financial travesty for the club.
Thus, if he is certain that he will not sign a new contract, then Rangers must be looking to sell him in the January transfer window, in order to at least get a fee.