By Wayne Veysey

20th Apr, 2019 | 6:56am

Rangers open talks to re-sign attacker for next season - confirmed

Rangers have opened talks with Liverpool about bringing Ryan Kent back to Ibrox next season, it has been confirmed.

Manager Steven Gerrard has revealed he has held discussions with Kent’s parent club about extending the season-long loan of the 22-year-old winger.

Kent has been a big success at Ibrox and Gerrard is eager for him to return along with other rising stars from the club where he holds iconic status.

“I’ve already spoken to Liverpool about a number of players but what was said will remain private,” Gerrard said, as quoted by the Scottish Sun. “Liverpool hold the cards with Ryan and all their players but I told them who I’d be interested in if they were available.

“I’ve made it clear how much I want Ryan to come back but they didn’t need that meeting to know that, because I’ve  said that before.

“With Ryan it’ll boil down to what the player wants and whether Liverpool are happy to deliver that. All we can do is make sure we’re at the table and I can assure everyone that we’re at the table with an offer.

“Whether the player wants that, whether Liverpool want that, we’ll have to wait and see, but it was important for me to speak to Liverpool and let them know we’re interested.”

Football Insider verdict:

The chances of Kent returning to Ibrox on loan next season appear more remote the more excellent performances he produces. The winger has made a huge impact as the season has gone on and his display in the recent Old Firm defeat to Celtic showcased his explosive pace, skill and directness. He looked the best player on the pitch and the problem for Rangers is that he may have already reached a level that places him out of their financial reach. Kent has three years remaining on his Liverpool contract and, with major doubts as to whether he can make it into the first team of his parent club, they could look to cash in on him this summer with his valuation soaring. It’s not unreasonable to think that Kent is now worth not far shy of £10million, a sum that Rangers simply cannot afford. Credit to Gerrard for making an early play for the winger, but simple economics dictate he is more likely to be at another club next season rather than the Light Blues.

In other Rangers transfer news, it can be REVEALED that the club are in talks to terminate the contract of a £20,000-a-week Ibrox player.