Leeds are looking to rival UEFA Europa League-bound Rangers for the services of Liverpool winger Ryan Kent, as Marcelo Bielsa has his eyes on signing three wingers on loan this summer, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post.
The Gers benefited greatly from having the 22-year-old at Ibrox for Steven Gerrard’s inaugural season as a manager, as the Oldham-born forward found himself involved in 15 goals (six scored, nine assisted) in all competitions during his 43 outings across all competitions.
Most prolifically, Kent struck all of his goals in the Scottish Premiership, with his efforts against Heart of Midlothian and Hamilton Academical opening the scoring. He also bagged the equaliser away to Celtic in March, although Gerrard’s men would go on to taste defeat away to their bitter rivals.
The Liverpool product also showed his versatility in a number of positions, as while he predominately featured on the left-wing, Gerrard occasionally rotated Kent onto the right flank, deployed him through the centre, and as the designated striker on one occasion.
Given his input, Rangers and Gerrard are keen to see the former England U20 international return to Ibrox for another season, but it is understood we have now thrown our hat in the ring.
The club are thought to have presented our interest to Liverpool, as they may feel a temporary foray into life in the Championship may boost Kent’s transfer value from a seven-figure sum to more in line with Harry Wilson’s lofty valuation following his successful time spent with Derby County.
Wilson has also been linked with a move to Elland Road, but the YEP believe Bielsa’s other two targets are Jack Harrison and Helder Costa, with it looking increasingly likely that the Manchester City-owned wide man will return to West Yorkshire for another season following positive discussions with the Premier League champions.
As for Costa, it’s claimed Leeds are hopeful the relationship shared between Chairman Andrea Radrizzani and the Wolverhampton Wanderers winger’s agent Jorge Mendes will strengthen the chances of the Whites striking a loan deal for the 25-year-old.