Rangers: Ryan Kent likely ‘wants to stay’

Glasgow Rangers forward Ryan Kent likely ‘wants to stay’ in the Scottish Premiership despite all the exit rumours, according to BBC pundit Alan Hutton.

The Lowdown: The story so far

The Light Blues ace will be out of contract in the summer, and despite being offered fresh terms, is yet to put pen to paper and commit to extending his stay at Ibrox.

Sporting director Ross Wilson admitted in December that the club are keen to tie the 26-year-old down having rejected an offer from an unnamed suitor for him, though interest is building again ahead of the upcoming window.

Premier League outfit Leeds United have been credited with an interest in the Liverpool academy graduate, but they aren’t currently in the best run of form to attract potential transfer targets.

The Latest: Hutton’s verdict

Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton was asked whether he thought Kent would be tempted to join Leeds if they were to be relegated over staying at Rangers, to which he replied:

“I would not if it was me.

“I can only talk from my point of view and when I left Rangers I would not have wanted to leave playing in the Champions League or European competitions to go to a team in the Championship.

“That is no disrespect to that league, it is just sometimes the grass is not always greener.

“I have got a feeling that he wants to stay. I think he can do good things at Rangers. Your head would only turn if it was a good option for you and I do not see the Championship as being that.”

The Verdict: Don’t let him go

Whether Kent will end up signing on the dotted line to seal his future at Rangers remains to be seen, but it’s important that they do everything they can to not let him leave.

The Oldham-born talent has posted 89 goal contributions in 214 appearances since making the switch north of the border and has been a revelation under the guidance of Michael Beale.

The Nike-sponsored ace currently ranks in the 91st percentile for successful take-ons and is averaging 2.2 key passes per league game, where he’s received three man-of-the-match awards in the Premiership.

Kent has also been spoken highly of by journalist Josh Bunting who said the Gers star is ‘aggressive’ in his press and causes ‘so many problems’ for opposition defenders with his pace, making him a hugely valuable asset in Glasgow.