Steven Gerrard has confirmed Rangers have rejected a bid from Leeds United for Ryan Kent.

The Ibrox boss sent a strong message to the Premier League side whether they come back with another offer with the opening one being “nowhere near his valuation”.

It emerged earlier this week that the Elland Road side had made the winger a key transfer target having previously been interested in the player.

Steven Gerrard has confirmed Rangers have rejected a bid for Ryan Kent from Leeds United. Picture: SNS

Marcelo Bielsa is keen to strengthen his side ahead of their return to the top-flight after a long wait.

However, a reported £10million bid has not been deemed acceptable by Rangers.

Kent has had a strong start to the season, netting twice in four league games and doing his utmost on Sunday against Livingston to seal a fourth win from four.

“Ryan is a player we admire very much here and we have seen him develop,” Gerrard said. “He is progressing very quickly and is a player we want to keep hold of. We very quickly rejected an opening bid that was nowhere near his valuation.

“We want the player to stay here, as do the board. The fans love him also and Leeds will need to respect that, they need to really think hard if they want to come in again. I have spoken to Ryan and he is totally focused on the match tomorrow.”

Rangers face Kilmarnock at Ibrox on Saturday as they look to bounce back from the disappointment of dropping points at Livingston.

They will once again be without Leon Balogun and Joe Aribo, while Jermain Defoe is not expected back until after the international break. Good news on the injury has seen Allan McGregor return to fitness.

'Leeds need to think hard' - Rangers boss Steven Gerrard confirms bid rejected for Ryan Kent