Rangers news: McLeish can’t believe Ryan Kent could leave on free after Leeds update
Alex McLeish has admitted Rangers may have to cash in on Ryan Kent this summer amid transfer interest from Leeds United.
The former Ibrox boss, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted there is “no way” the Light Blues should let the 25-year-old leave on a free transfer when his contract runs out next summer.
As revealed by Football Insider on Tuesday (22 March), the Ibrox board have agreed to offer Kent a new lucrative deal but are likely to listen to offers if he rebuffs their approaches.
Meanwhile, a Leeds source told this site on Thursday (24 March) the Yorkshire giants are keeping tabs on the winger with a view to a possible summer raid.
McLeish insisted the Gers will be reluctant to let Kent leave this summer.
However, he admitted the club cannot allow the winger to depart for nothing next year.
“There’s no way they should lose him on a free transfer,” McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge.
“Then again, they may feel that for him to stay, win the league this season if they can and domestically excel next season, they could accept it in that respect.
“Next season, if Rangers get into the Champions League, it’s another fantastically high level. He has risen to most of the levels.
“I think he’s a player who has improved, even though he was a talent when we first saw him.
“I really feel he’s key to this Rangers setup, whatever happens come the end of the season.”
As detailed by Football Insider in September 2020, Kent has a £20million release clause in his contract.
The winger has played 163 times for Rangers to date.
In other news, Rangers will listen to offers for 25-year-old international this summer after decision made.