Rangers have 'gentleman's agreement' with Ryan Kent on winger's future, reports

Ryan Kent turned in an excellent performance in Rangers’ emphatic 4-1 Old Firm win over Celtic on Sunday drawing more attention to the winger’s talents.

Kent teed up Kemar Roofe for the game’s opener and his direct running had the visiting defence on the backfoot for long spells of the game.

It’s performances such as this which have alerted clubs to the winger’s form this season – he’s scored 12 times and laid on 10 goals for team-mates – and Leeds United are known admirers of the former Liverpool winger.

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But as yet more interest in the 24-year-old is anticipated this summer, Kent distanced himself from talk – despite admitting it was flattering to be linked with ‘big clubs’.

Rangers' Ryan Kent warms up during a Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Hibernian at Ibrox. (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group)Rangers' Ryan Kent warms up during a Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Hibernian at Ibrox. (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group)
Rangers' Ryan Kent warms up during a Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Hibernian at Ibrox. (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group)

He told Sky Sports: “It’s about playing in the now. It’s nice to be linked with other football clubs, big clubs, but you have to understand your duty of where you’re at and as long as I’m at Rangers I’ll give 100 per cent to the football club. I love this place and it’s done so much for me and as long as I am here I’m solely focused on Rangers.”

That would have been music to the ears of many Rangers fans and the latest suggestions on his transfer status has short-term benefits for Rangers fans eager to hang onto their star turn.

Steven Gerrard has previously revealed Leeds’ bid at the start of this title-winning season was rebuffed and according to reports on Monday, Rangers have a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ with Kent that he will remain at the club for a tilt at the Champions League – even if Marcelo Bielsa’s side come knocking again.

According to Football Insider, an arrangement is in place between the player and Ibrox officials that he will stay for season 2021-22 – however it is said he is keeping his options open beyond his current 2023 expiry.

Rangers Ryan Kent and Greg Taylor in action during a Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)Rangers Ryan Kent and Greg Taylor in action during a Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)
Rangers Ryan Kent and Greg Taylor in action during a Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)

However the website also reports the contract includes a £20million release clause for interested parties to reach before even discussing a move.

The Liverpool Echo also report that any future deal for Kent, while expected to be lucrative for Rangers – could also benefit Liverpool’s finances after the Reds added a 20 per cent sell-on fee clause to his 2019 transfer, according to the Merseyside newspaper.

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