OPINION
Leeds United should make a concerted bid to sign Liverpool winger Ryan Kent this summer.
The Yorkshire giants have been linked with landing the Anfield academy product in the past and his stunning progress this season suggests the time is ripe for another swoop.
Kent is having the best season of his career on loan at Rangers, with his pace and skill out wide making him a huge Ibrox favourite and one of the best signings made by Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard.
The 22-year-old has progressed to a level where he is probably out of reach of the Glasgow giants in terms of a permanent transfer, and their hopes of another loan are very much up in the air.
Much depends upon Liverpool’s coaching staff, manager Jurgen Klopp and whether they believe he has what it takes to make it at his parent club.
Hibernian manager Paul Heckingbottom was in charge at Barnsley when Kent was on loan there in the 2016-17 season and he is a big admirer of the youngster’s ability to cut open defences.
The former Leeds boss explained how elite clubs tried to land the attacker two years ago and may have more success this summer if Klopp gives him the green light to permanently leave.
“I know that when his loan was up with Barnsley there were some really good clubs looking at him, but Liverpool were keen to tie him down and keep him,” Heckingbottom told the Herald. “I’m sure there will be a plan for Ryan and he will be involved in that with his representatives and Liverpool.
“That could be another loan or a permanent move or it could be as part of the Liverpool squad because I think they will definitely have another look at him when he does back in pre-season.”
Kent’s valuation has probably soared well north of £5million, and probably close to £10million, after his five goals and nine assists from 37 Rangers matches this season.
Whether Leeds are in the Premier League, and fighting for Championship promotion, next season, the Liverpool star would be a brilliant signing.
Elland Road would surely erupt if the Yorkshire giants could get it done.