Leeds United target Ryan Kent could become available in the January window after being ignored during his loan spell at Freiburg, according to the Sun.
The newspaper claim that Kent’s parent club Liverpool are alarmed at the winger’s lack of progress and game time at the Bundesliga club.
The Sun report that the 21-year-old could return from Germany and go out on loan to an English club in the January window.
It is said that Leeds were among the Championship clubs keen to sign Kent in the summer, but their bid to land him failed, as did those of Sheffield United and Middlesbrough.
Good move for Leeds?
Yes, definitely. Kent has not had an extended run of games at Freiburg, and has been used in a series of different positions, including wide on both flanks, as the centre-forward and in second striker role. But the Anfield academy product is a huge prospect and it is telling that Jurgen Klopp was so keen to hang on to him in the summer. It suggest that the manager believes the attacker has the potential to be a first-teamer of the future and more than just a lower league stalwart. Kent was a mainstay of a fine Barnsley side while on loan to the Championship club last season, although his statistics did not quite substantiate the actual impact he made. Tellingly, the pacy wide man, who has the skill to beat opponents and carry the ball long distances, was much in demand during the summer window, including from Leeds. His potential return to England and January availability should be seen by Victor Orta and company as a brilliant opportunity. Kent would be a brilliant weapon for Leeds in the second half of the campaign, and could catapult them all the way to a play-off spot.
This Is Futbol rating 9/10
Likely to happen?
If, as reported, Kent returns to England in January, then Leeds are in with a genuine chance of signing him. There will be a scramble among Championship clubs for his services, but he would want to join a team where he is going to be a regular starter. The only Leeds wide man who is untouchable at the moment is Ezgjan Alioski, so there is space for Kent.
This Is Futbol rating 6/10