Rangers: Journalist drops major update on Southampton move for Ryan Kent
Ryan Kent is not a target for Southampton “at this stage” as the 26-year-old’s future at Rangers remains in doubt, according to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook.
The Mirror (23 December, page 53) claimed that the Saints want to sign the winger in a £5million deal, with Kent able to speak to new clubs on 1 January as his Ibrox deal comes to a close.
However, Crook has since revealed (via Twitter, 28 December) that although Nathan Jones is planning a busy window, the Rangers winger is not a target at the moment.
It’s believed the Saints are looking to prioritise attacking players as the start of the January window edges into view.
More to come
Although Southampton don’t hold an interest in Kent at present, they won’t be the last club to be linked with the 26-year-old during the January window. He’s certainly improved under Michael Beale, and with his contract up in the summer of 2023, other Premier League and Championship clubs will be having look at the former Liverpool youngster.
However, with Beale arriving at the club, there’s a chance he could be persuaded to sign a new deal at Ibrox and commit his future to Rangers for the long term. He’s an important player for the Light Blues and will continue to feature week in and week out under the new boss.
Furthermore, it’s difficult to see Kent playing regularly for a Premier League side at the moment. He does have the ability to play at a high level, but to be given opportunities in the top flight requires a level of consistency, which he somewhat struggles with.
The 26-year-old will, without a doubt, be the centre of much transfer discussion in the coming month.
In other Rangers news, the club are now fancying their chances of major a January transfer after Fabrizio Romano’s update with a move on the cards.