Rangers told to increase Kent release clause in 'huge' new deal - Hutton

Alan Hutton has urged Rangers to get Ryan Kent tied down to a new deal - and increase his release clause.

The former Ibrox star, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the winger should be next in line after recent deals for other senior stars.

As revealed by Football Insider last year, Rangers were keen to reward the 24-year-old with a new and improved deal to reflect his status among the Ibrox squad.

However, negotiations have stalled due to complications stemming from Kent's decision to swap agents last year.

Rangers have recently announced new deals for the likes of Steven Davis, Allan McGregor and James Tavernier.

The Light Blues are understood to want to lift Kent into the top bracket of earners at Ibrox.

His current terms, which include a £20million release clause, are set to expire in the summer of 2023.

However, Hutton has urged Rangers to push on with talks and get a new contract wrapped up as soon as possible.

Discussing the possibility of the Gers handing Kent a new deal, Hutton told Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge: "That's what I would do. Definitely.

"Look at the boys that have signed the new deals: Balogun, McGregor, Davis, Tavernier, they've been rewarded. Not just because they're running out of contract but for their performances over the season and what they've achieved.

"Kent's been a huge part of that, he is one of the first names on the team sheet. So for me, I'd want to keep my best players. Giving him a new contract, a long-term deal, upping his release clause if that's what you want, that helps everybody.

"I think Kent would be happy that leaders Rangers are building something. They're going for Champions League, they're going for league titles, Scottish cups. As a player, you want to be involved in that, so I'm pretty sure he'd be happy.

"We understand he's from down south and possibly, at some stage in his career, he'd want to test himself down there but as long as it suits all parties then I don't see why you wouldn't want to sign a new deal." 

In other news, ex-Ger touts potential 'massive shock' in Rangers XI v Celtic.