Ryan Kent emerged as one of the targets for Leeds United this summer, but Jurgen Klopp recently went on to claim that Liverpool are unlikely to send him away on loan. Klopp feels that it is time for him to settle at a club. This was seen as a big blow for the Whites as reports from Leeds Live claim that the club is not in a position to make a permanent move for the English winger.
Where do things stand with Leeds United and Kent?
However, the same report mentions that the player’s own camp are currently sceptical of whether any club would shell out top money for the winger. Reports are doing the round that the winger can cost somewhere around £12m.
The transfer window is just a few days away from closure. With the Financial Fair Play regulations looming large, we think that Liverpool are unlikely to get that kind of money from Leeds United or any of the Championship clubs.
Obviously, things can change if a Premier League club starts showing an interest in him. However, as of now, only Leeds United and Rangers are said to be keen. There is no doubt that Rangers has the upper hand here with time on their side as the Scottish transfer window closes on the second of September. Reports from Leeds Live also iterate the same sentiments.
Therefore once the English window closes, and Liverpool aren’t able to thrash out a deal for Kent with anyone, then a loan move to Rangers could well be the likely outcome. There are still no known interest for Kent from other leagues so the Scottish heavyweights should fancy themselves once the English transfer deadline day passes by.
Amidst all this, Leeds United can turn out to be the big losers as they neither have the funds nor the time in their hand. However, if Kent and his camp can pressurise Liverpool for a move, then something might happen in the next few days as they are sceptical that Kent would be able to earn a permanent move for the mentioned price.
What now for Leeds United?
Jamal Lowe is one winger with whom the Whites have been linked, but their interest hasn’t turned into anything formal as of now. The Portsmouth winger can be a plausible option if the club misses out on Kent. As things stand, we don’t really see the Whites signing any more wingers. The left flank is likely to be occupied by either Jack Harrison or Jack Clarke. Bielsa and the club faithful would hope that the duo can provide with the final product. Last season, Harrison was especially guilty of fluffing his line in the attacking third.
