Steven Gerrard and Ross Wilson are facing a major decision over Ryan Kent’s future at Ibrox with the Glasgow Rangers winger seemingly in no rush to sign a new contract.
Kent has played a big part in Rangers’ remarkable run of form since the start of the season, first changing the game against Aberdeen before scoring against Ross County at Ibrox.
However, the 24-year-old, who has six goals and eight assists in 26 Scottish Premiership matches this season, is yet to put pen to paper to sign a new deal with the 54-time Scottish champions and a number of potential suitors, including Premier League giants Leeds United, are believed to be closely monitoring his situation ahead of a possible move in the summer.
Kent signed an initial four-year contract upon his return to Glasgow to reunite with Gerrard’s side, and admitted he has no interest in leaving Scotland anytime soon.
He said at the time: “My dialogue with the club was that I am in a very good position and enjoying my football. As long as I am playing football and enjoying it, I am happy where I am.
“The manager and coaches are always putting faith in me and giving me more confidence. I play with no fear, even if I give the ball away five times I will have the confidence to pick the ball and go again. I relish the opportunity to be one of the main players in the team.
“I’ve always wanted to finally find a club that I am settled. I have had some beneficial experiences throughout my career and I am now in a position where I can put it all together and enjoy my football at Rangers Football Club.”
But it seems he is in no rush to sign a new deal and commit his long-term future to the club, which will no doubt be giving Gerrard jitters given his excellent return for Rangers this season. Former Celtic star Frank McAvennie has even hinted that he may be stalling talks in an attempt to focus his full attention on stopping the Bhoys from winning ten in a row.
Reports have emerged over the past couple of weeks that contract talks are currently at an impasse between the club and his representatives, as he has so far been unable to agree terms over extending his deal after changing agents.
However, his latest display against Hibernian at Easter Road on Wednesday night was further proof he has added fresh life and vigour to Gerrard’s options out wide, as he was rated as one of the best players on the pitch for the Light Blues by SofaScore in the 1-0 win away at Hibs.
During the full 90 minutes, he completed three successful dribbles from eight attempts, the most out of any player from either side, per SofaScore, whilst he made two key passes and took two shots in total, which shows that he was a constant threat in the final third in the entire game.
According to WhoScored, his numbers vastly outweigh those of Brandon Barker and Jordan Jones in almost every area. He currently averages more shots (2.5), more key passes (2.1) and completes more dribbles (1.9) than both backup options. Although the former loses possession on fewer occasions, it’s no wonder neither Barker nor Jones are yet to feature for the Gers since the start of the year.
Still just 24 years of age, Kent has proven capable of stopping Celtic in their tracks – firing the Gers to their first Old Firm victory at Celtic Park since 2010 two years ago – and shown he has the potential to write his name in the history books in Europe, too, scoring the only goal to dump Braga out of the Europa League last season.
Gerrard described him as “outstanding” following the 5-0 win against Ross County last week and simply can’t afford to let the £7m-rated ace slip through his fingers, especially considering the lack of attacking depth on the left wing.
AND in other news, James Tavernier in sensational form for Rangers…