Rangers have been dealt a major blow in their pursuit of Liverpool loanee Ryan Kent after learning his price tag has risen to £12million, according to Football Insider.
Gers boss Steven Gerrard has been in talks with Liverpool over a permanent move for Kent and hoped to agree a deal to bring the winger back to Ibrox.
With Kent’s value reportedly rocketing, it is understood that Rangers are being priced out of a deal.
The Gers believe that a deal would have been a serious possibility if the 22-year-old’s price tag was around £6 million. His price tag is double the amount that Rangers hoped.
Kent enjoyed a successful season under Gerrard, registering six goals and nine assists in all competitions.
The winger was crowned Scottish Young Player of the Year as a result of his efforts.
OPINION
This is hugely disappointing for Rangers. Kent’s direct and aggressive attacking play has been evident this season and the Gers will suffer in his absence. £12 million is a lot of money but it’s hard to argue that Kent isn’t worth it when you see the prices British players are going for at the moment. That doesn’t help Rangers and there’s always a chance that Liverpool will drop the price if any suitors don’t come calling. However, Football Insider says it’s a shattering blow and that it would seem that Rangers are resigned to losing him. He’s been consistently one of their best players next season and a permanent deal for someone so talented and so young is exactly what Gers need. The winger is keen on moving to Rangers and may have his heart set on a return – Rangers are still the front-runners despite the disappointing news. If the Light Blues are to miss out on this deal, they must find a quality replacement worthy of filling the void – it’s imperative that Rangers spend big this summer to bridge the gap with Celtic next season.