By Sam Stone

15th Mar, 2023 | 9:40pm

Rangers should 'break the bank' for 40-goal player - pundit

Tam McManus has suggested Rangers should “break the bank” for a 40-goal attacker instead of making Ryan Kent one of their highest-paid players.

The 26-year-old is looking increasingly likely to depart the club with his contract set to expire in the summer of 2023.

McManus believes the board should refrain from giving Kent a big contract and instead offer a lucrative deal for a player who would score “40 goals”.

“I wouldn’t break the bank for Ryan Kent. I would break the bank for a 40-goal player. I wouldn’t break the bank for him,” said McManus (PLZ Football Show, 50m 14s).

“I’d offered him [Kent] a deal but if he doesn’t take then ‘see you later’, I don’t think his numbers are good enough.”

Good point

Kent is a terrific player, there’s no denying that. His technical ability is far too much for the average Scottish Premiership defender and he’s shown that over a number of years. His lack of output is the main concern. If he added more goals and assists to his game he would more than likely be plying his trade in the Premier League.

He’s an important player, but McManus is right, the club shouldn’t be looking to make Kent one of their highest-paid players. The board must give him a competitive offer and if he turns it down, then both parties must move on. A proven and clinical goalscorer will be at the top of Michael Beale’s shopping list.

Alfredo Morelos looks destined to depart the club and a replacement for the Colombian is required. Potentially holding back a lucrative contract for a proven goalscorer could be the route for Beale and the board to go down.

The pressure on the summer window is immense and it’s one the club simply have to get right.

In other Rangers news, Barry Ferguson feels that “it is curtains” for the future of one Rangers star.