Sources: Rangers set sights on new forward signing as Leeds up Ryan Kent bid

Rangers have set their sights on a new forward signing as Leeds United return to the negotiating table this week with an improved Ryan Kent bid, Football Insider understands.

The newly-promoted Premier League club are working on a second offer for the in-form attacker after the Light Blues knocked back their opener.

A recruitment source has told Football Insider that Leeds' opening bid for Kent was worth £8.5million plus add-ons taking it up towards the £10m mark.

That was rejected by Rangers but there have been suggestions Kent has a release clause in his contract that obliges them to sell.

Steven Gerrard's side have fall-back options in place as they prepare to bring in a new attacking player to potentially replace the 23-year-old.

Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa is a big admirer of Kent and is keen to recruit a young and dynamic player who can carry the ball forward, create and score goals.

United are also in the market for a new centre-forward as they intensify their transfer business three weeks ahead of the start of the 2020-21 season.

Rangers made Kent their second most expensive-ever signing last summer when they recruited him from Liverpool in a £7m deal.

He had a mixed 2019-20 after a hugely promising loan the previous campaign but he has begun this season in outstanding form.

The Anfield academy product delivered his latest man-of-the-match display in Saturday's 2-0 win over Kilmarnock as he netted his third league goal of the season.

Rangers fans are desperate not to lose the versatile attacker, especially with Alfredo Morelos a likely departure following sustained interest from elite European clubs including Lille, Marseille and AC Milan.

Football Insider revealed earlier this year that Kent was once again in Leeds' sights ahead of the summer window.

In other Leeds United news, the club has been told to 'Aim higher' after major defender transfer update.